™HK»HI  -  -•L  -'•'.:    :,!'-..:  .>•■" 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM  TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Division 

Section 


OLNEY  HYMNS^ 

THREE  BQ9*i§^ 


fflflfilCAUS! 


« 


BOOK  I.  {  BOOK  JR. 

QNSELECT  TEXTS  OF  SCRIP-   J   ON     THE      PROGRESS     AND 
TURE.  \         CHANGES     OF     THE     SPI- 

BOOK  II.  5         ritual    LIFJ5. 

08  OCCASIONAL  SUBJECTS.     £ 


BY  THE  REVf  JOHN  NEWTON, 
LONDON. 

********************* 


Cantibitis,  Arcades,  inquit, 


Montibus  haec  vestris  :  soli  cantare  periti 

Arcades.    O  mihi  turn  quam  molliter  ossa  quiescant, 

Vestra  meos  olim  si  fistula  dicat  amores  ! 

Virgil,  Ec.  x.  31. 
And  they  sung  as  it  were  a  new  song  before  the  throne :— and  no 
man  could  learn  that  song,  but— the  redeemed  from  the  earth,  ' 

REV.xiv.  3, 
As  sorrowful,  yet  alway  rejoicing. — 2  Cor.  vi.  10, 

******  **** ******  ***** 

NEW-YORK  : 

PUBLISHED   EY  WILLIAMS  AND  WHITING,  AT   THEIR 
THEOLOGICAL  AND  CLASSICAL   BOOK-STORE., 
NO.  118,  PEARL-STREET, 
[i.  Seymour,  printer  J 


1810, 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Calvin  College 


http://www.archive.org/details/olneyhymnsi1810newt 


PREFACE. 

COPIES  of  a  few  of  these  Hymns  have  already 
appeared  in  periodical  publications,  and  in  some  re- 
cent collections.  I  have  observed  one  or  two  of 
them  attributed  to  persons  who  certainly  had  no  con- 
cern in  them,  but  as  transcribers.  All  that  have 
been  at  different  times  parted  with  in  manuscript 
are  included  in  the  present  volume ;  and,  (if  the  in- 
formation were  of  any  great  importance,)  the  public 
may  be  assured,  that  the  whole  number  were  com- 
posed by  two  persons  only.  The  original  design 
would  not  admit  of  any  other  association.  A  desire 
of  promoting  the  faith  and  comfort  of  sincere  Chris- 
tians, though  the  principal,  was  not  the  only  motive 
to  this  undertaking.  It  was  likewise  intended  as  a 
monument  to  perpetuate  the  remembrance  of  an 
intimate  and  endeared  friendship.  With  this  pleas- 
ing view,  I  entered  upon  my  part,  which  would  have 
been  smaller  than  it  is,  and  the  book  would  have  ap- 
peared much  sooner,  and  in  a  very  dii(Ferent  form,  if 
the  wise,  though  mysterious,  providence  of  God,  had 
not  seen  fit  to  cross  my  wishes.  We  had  not  pro- 
ceeded far  upon  our  proposed  plan,  before  my  dear 
friend  was  prevented,  by  a  long  and  affecting  indis- 
position, from  affording  me  any  further  assistance. 
My  grief  and  disappointment  were  great ;  I  hung 
my  harp  upon  the  willows,  and  for  some  time  thought 
myself  determined  to  proceed  no  further  without 
him.  Yet  my  mind  was  afterwards  led  to  resume 
the  service.  My  progress  in  it;' amidst  a  variety  of 
other  engagements,  has  been  slow  ;  yet,  in  a  course 
of  years,  the   Hymns  amounted  to   a   considerable 


iv  PREFACE. 

number.  And  my  deference  to  the  judgment  and 
desires  of  others,  has  at  length  overcome  the  reluc- 
tance I  long  felt  to  see  them  in  print,  while  I  had  so 
few  of  my  friend's  hymns  to  insert  in  the  collection. 
Though  it  is  possible  a  good  judge  of  composition 
might  be  able  to  distinguish  those  which  are  his,  I 
have  thought  it  proper  to  preclude  a  misapplication, 
by  perfixing  the  letter  C  to  each  of  them.  For  the 
rest  I  must  be  responsible. 

There  is  a  style  and  manner  suited  to  the  compo- 
sition of  hymns,  which  may  be  more  successfully, 
or  at  least  more  easily,  attained  by  a  versifier,  than 
by  a  poet.  They  should  be  Hymns,  not  Odes,  if  de- 
signed for  public  worship,  and  for  the  use  of  plain 
people.  Perspicuity,  simplicity,  and  ease,  should 
be  chiefly  attended  to  ;  and  the  imagery  and  colour- 
ing of  poetry,  if  admitted  at  all,  should  be  indulged 
very  sparingly,  and  with  great  judgment.  The  late 
Dr.  Watts,  many  of  whose  hymns  are  admirable 
patterns  in  this  species  of  writing,  might,  as  a  poet, 
have  a  right  to  say,  that  it  cost  him  some  labour  to 
restrain  his  fire,  and  to  accommodate  himself  to  the 
capacities  of  common  readers.  But  it  would  not 
become  me  to  make  such  a  declaration.  It  behooved 
me  to  do  my  best.  But  though  I  would  not  offend 
readers  of  taste  by  a  wilful  coarseness  and  negli- 
gence, I  do  not  write  professedly  for  them.  If  the 
Lord,  whom  I  serve,  has  been  pleased  to  favour  me 
with  that  mediocrity  of  talent,  which  may  qualify  me 
for  usefulness  to  the  weak  and  the  poor  of  his  flock, 
without  quite  disgusting  persons  of  superior  dis- 
cernment, I  have  reason  to  be  satisfied. 

As  the  workings  of  the  heart  of  man,  and  of  the 
Spirit  of  God,  are  in  general  the  same  in  all  who  are 
the  subjects  of  grace,  I  hope  most  of  these  hymns, 


PREFACE.  v 

being  the  fruit  and  expression  of  my  own  expe- 
rience, will  coincide  with  the  views  of  real  Chris- 
tians of  all  denominations.     But  I  cannot  expect 
that  every   sentiment  I  have  advanced  will  be  uni- 
versally approved.     However,  I  am  not  conscious  of 
having  written  a  single  line  with  an  intention  either 
to  flatter  or  to  offend  any  party  or  person  upon  earth. 
I  have  simply  declared  my  own  views  and  feelings, 
as  I  might  have  done  if  I  had  composed  hymns  in 
some  of  the  newly  discovered  islands  in  the  South 
Sea,  where  no  person  had  any  knowledge  of  the 
name  of  Jesus,  but  myself.     I  am  a  friend  of  peace  ; 
and  being  deeply  convinced  that  no  one  can  profit- 
ably understand  the  great  truths  and  doctrines  of  the 
Gospel  any  further  than  he  is  taught  of  God,  I  have 
not  a  wish  to  obtrude  my  own  tenets  upon  others, 
in  a  way  of  controversy;  yet  I  do  not  think  myself 
bound  to  conceal  them.      Many  gracious  persons, 
(for  many  such  I  am  persuaded  there  are,)  who  dif- 
fer from  me,  more  or  less,  in  those  points  which  are 
called  Calvinistic,  appear  desirous  that  the  Calvin- 
ists  should,  for  their  sakes,  studiously  avoid  every 
expression  which  they  cannot  approve.     Yet  few  of 
them,  I  believe,  impose  a  like  restraint  upon  them- 
selves, but  think  the  importance  of  what  they  deem 
to  be  truth  justifies  them  in  speaking  their  senti- 
ments plainly  and  strongly.     May  I  not  plead  for  an 
equal  liberty  I     The  views  I  have  received  of  the 
doctrines  of  grace  are  essential  to  my  peace  ;  I  could 
not  live  comfortably  a  day,  or  an  hour,  without  them. 
I   likewise  believe,  yea,  so  far  as  my  poor  attain- 
ments  warrant  me  to   speak,  I  know  them  to   be 
friendly  to  holiness,  and  to  have  a  direct  influence  in 
producing  and  maintaining  a  Gospel  conversation  j 
and  therefore  I  must  not  be  ashamed  of  them. 


vi  PREEACE. 

The  hymns  are  distributed  into  three  books.  In 
the  first  I  have  classed  those  which  are  formed  upon 
select  passages  of  Scripture,  and  placed  them  in 
the  order  of  the  books  of  the  Old  and  New  Testa- 
ment. The  second  contains  Occasional  Hymns, 
suited  to  particular  seasons,  or  suggested  by  parti- 
cular events  or  subjects.  The  third  Book  is  miscel- 
laneous, comprising  a  variety  of  subjects  relative  to 
a  life  of  faith  in  the  Son  of  God,  which  have  no  ex- 
press reference  either  to  a  single  text  of  Scripture, 
or  to  any  determinate  season  or  incident.  These 
are  further  subdivided  into  distinct  heads.  This 
arrangement  is  not  so  accurate  but  that  several  of 
the  hymns  might  have  been  differently  disposed. 
Some  attention  to  method  may  be  found  convenient; 
though  a  logical  exactness  was  hardly  practicable. 
As  some  subjects  in  the  several  books  are  nearly 
coincident,  I  have,  under  the  divisions  in  the  third 
Book,  pointed  out  those  which  are  similar  in  the 
two  former.  And  I  have  likewise  here  and  there, 
in  the  first  and  second,  made  a  reference  to  hymns 
of  a  like  import  in  the  third. 

This  publication,  which,  with  my  humble  prayer 
to  the  Lord  for  his  blessing  upon  it,  I  offer  to  the 
service  and  acceptance  of  all  who  love  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ  in  sincerity,  of  every  name  and  in  eve- 
ry place,  into  whose  hands  it  may  come,  I  more  par- 
ticularly dedicate  to  my  dear  friends  in  the  parish 
and  neighbourhood  of  OIney,  for  whose  use  the 
hymns  were  originally  composed ;  and  as  a  testi- 
mony of  the  sincere  love  I  bear  them,  and  as  a  to- 
ken of  my  gratitude  to  the  Lord  and  to  them,  for  the 
comfort  and  satisfaction  with  which  the  discharge  of 
my  ministry  among  them  has  been  attended. 

The  hour  is  approaching,  and,  at  my  time  of  life, 


PREFACE.  vii 

cannot  be  very  distant,  when  my  heart,  my  pen,  and 
my  tongue,  will  no  longer  be  able  to  move  in  their 
service.  But  I  trust,  while  my  heart  continues  to 
beat,  it  will  feel  a  warm  desire  for  the  prosperity  of 
their  souls  ;  and  while  my  hand  can  write,  and  my 
tongue  speak,  it  will  be  the  business  and  the  plea- 
sure of  my  life,  to  aim  at  promoting  their  growth 
and  establishment  in  the  grace  of  our  God  and  Sa- 
viour. To  this  precious  grace  I  commend  them, 
and  earnestly  entreat  them,  and  all  who  love  his 
name,  to  strive  mightily  with  their  prayers  to  God 
for  me,  that  I  may  be  preserved  faithful  to  the  end, 
and  enabled  at  last  to  finish  my  course  with  joy. 


JOHN  NEWTON, 


Olney,  Bucks, 
February  15,  1779. 


OLNEY  HYMNS, 

BOOK  I. 

ON    SELECT    PASSAGES    OF    SCRIPTURE, 

GENESIS. 

HYMN  I.     Adam.     Chap.  iii. 


a 


FN  man,  in  his  own  image  made, 
How  much  did  God  bestow  ! 
The  whole  creation  homage  paid, 
And  own'd  him  Lord  below. 

2  He  dwelt  in  Eden's  garden,  stor'd 

With  sweets  for  ev'ry  sense ; 
And  there,  with  his  descending  Lord, 
He  waik'd  in  confidence. 

3  But,  oh  !  by  sin  how  quickly  chang'd  I 

His  honour  forfeited, 
His  heart  from  God  and  truth  estrang'd, 
His  conscience  filPd  with  dread  ! 

4  Now  from  his  Maker's  voice  he  flees, 

Which  was  before  his  joy  ; 
And  thinks  to  hide,  amidst  the  trees, 
From  an  all-seeing  eye. 


14  Genesis.  Book  I. 

5  Compell'd  to  answer  to  his  name, 

With  stubbornness  and  pride, 
He  cast  on  God  himself  the  blame  ; 
Nor  once  for  mercy  cry'd. 

6  But  grace,  unask'd,  his  heart  subdu'd, 

And  all  his  guilt  forgave ; 
By  faith  the  promis'd  Seed  he  view'd, 
And  felt  his  pow'r  to  save. 

7  Thus  we  ourselves  would  justify, 

Though  we  the  law  transgress  ; 
Like  him,  unable  to  deny, 
Unwilling  to  confess. 

8  But  when  by  faith  the  sinner  sees 

A  pardon  bought  with  blood, 
Then  he  forsakes  his  foolish  pleas, 
And  gladly  turns  to  God. 

II.   Cain  and  Abel.     Chap.  iv.  3 — 8. 

1  When  Adam  fell,  he  quickly  lost 

God's  image  which  he  once  possess'd  : 
See  all  our  nature  since  could  boast 
In  Cain,  his  first-born  son,  express'd  ! 

2  The  sacrifice  the  Lord  ordain'd 

In  type  of  the  Redeemer's  blood, 
Self-righteous  reas'ning  Cain  disdain'd, 
And  thought  his  own  first-fruits  as  good. 

3  Yet  rage  and  envy  fill'd  his  mind, 

When,  with  a  sullen  downcast  look, 
He  saw  his  brother  favour  find, 

Who  God's  appointed  method  took. 


Hymn  3.  Genesis*  15 

4  By  Cain's  own  hand  good  Abel  died, 

Because  the  Lord  appro v'd  his  faith  ; 

And,  when  his  blood  for  vengeance  cry'd, 

He  vainly  thought  to  hide  his  death. 

5  Such  was  the  wicked  murd'rer  Cain, 

And  such  by  nature  still  are  we, 
Until  by  grace  we're  born  again, 
Malicious,  blind,  and  proud  as  he. 

6  Like  him,  the  way  of  grace  we  slight, 

And  in  our  own  devices  trust ; 
Call  evil  good,  and  darkness  light, 
And  hate  and  persecute  the  just. 

7  The  saints  in  ev'ry  age  and  place 

Have  found  his  history  fulfill 'd ; 
The  numbers  all  our  thoughts  surpass, 
Of  Abels,  whom  the  Cains  have  kili'd*  ! 

8  Thus  Jesus  fell — but,  oh  !  his  blood 

Far  better  things  than  Abel's  criesf , 
Obtains  his  murd'rers  peace  with  God, 
And  gains  them  mansions  in  the  skies. 

III.    C.      Walking  'with  God.     Chap.  v.  24, 

1  Oh  !  for  a  closer  walk  with  God, 

A  calm  and  heav'nly  frame ; 

A  light,  to  shine  upon  the  road 

That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb  ! 

2  Where  is  the  blessedness  I  knew 

When  first  I  saw  the  Lord  ? 
Where  is  the  soul-refreshing  view 
Of  Jesus,  and  his  word  ? 

*  Rom.  viii.  36.         f  Heb.  xii.  24. 


16  Genesis.  Book  I. 

3  What  peaceful  hours  I  once  enjoy'd  ! 

How  sweet  their  mem'ry  still ! 
But  they  have  left  an  aching  void, 
The  world  can  never  fill. 

4  Return,  O  holy  Dove,  return  ! 

Sweet  messenger  of  rest ; 
I  hate  the  sins  that  made  thee  mourn, 
And  drove  thee  from  my  breast. 

5  The  dearest  idol  I  have  known, 

Whate'er  that  idol  be, 
Help  me  to  tear  it  from  thy  throne, 
And  worship  only  thee. 

6  So  shall  my  walk  be  close  with  God, 

Calm  and  serene  my  frame  ; 
So  purer  light  shall  mark  the  road 
That  leads  me  to  the  Lamb. 

IV.  Another. 

1  By  faith  in  Christ  I  walk  with  God, 

With  heav'n,  my  journey's  end,  in  view; 
Supported  by  his  staff  and  rod*, 
My  road  is  safe  and  pleasant  too. 

£2  I  travel  through  a  desert  wide, 

Where  many  round  me  blindly  stray ; 
But  he  vouchsafes  to  be  my  guidef, 
And  will  not  let  me  miss  my  way. ' 

3  Though  snares  and  dangers  throngmy  path, 
And  earth  and  hell  my  course  withstand, 
I  triumph  over  all  by  faith  J, 
Guarded  by  his  almighty  hand. 

**  Psal.  xxiii.  4.     t  Psal.  cvii.     f  Psal.  xxvii.   1,  2- 


Hymn  5.  Genesis,  17 

4  The  wilderness  affords  no  food, 

But  God  for  my  support  prepares  ; 
Provides  me  ev'ry  needful  good, 
And  frees  my  soul  from  wants  and  cares. 

5  With  him  sweet  converse  I  maintain, 

Great  as  he  is,  I  dare  be  free, 
I  tell  him  all  my  grief  and  pain, 
And  he  reveals  his  love  to  me. 

6  Some  cordial  from  his  word  he  brings, 

Whene'er  my  feeble  spirit  faints ; 
At  once  my  soul  revives  and  sings, 
And  yields  no  more  to  sad  complaints. 

7  I  pity  all  that  worldlings  talk 

Gf  pleasures  that  will  quickly  end ; 
Be  this  my  choice,  O  Lord,  to  walk 
With  thee,myGuide,myGuard,my  Friend! 

V.     Lot  in  Sodom.     Chap.  xiii.  10. 

1  How  hurtful  was  the  choice  of  Lot, 

Who  took  up  his  abode, 
(Because  it  was  a  fruitful  spot,) 
With  them  who  fear'd  not  God  ! 

2  A  pris'ner  he  was  quickly  made, 

Bereav'd  of  ail  his  store ; 
And,  but  for  Abraham's  timely  aid, 
He  had  return'd  no  more. 

3  Yet  still  he  seem'd  resolv'd  to  stay, 

As  if  it  were  his  rest ; 
Altho'  their  sins  from  day  to  day* 
His  righteous  soul  distress'd. 

*  %  Peter  ii.  8.  $ 

b  2  ■•" 


18  Genesis.  Book  I. 

4  Awhile  he  stay'd  with  anxious  mind, 

Expos'd  to  scorn  and  strife  ; 
At  last  he  left  his  all  behind, 
And  fied  to  save  his  life. 

5  In  vain  his  sons-in-law  he  warn'd, 

They  thought  he  told  his  dreams  : 
His  daughters,  too,  of  them  had  learn'd, 
And  perish'd  in  the  flames. 

6  His  wife  escap'd  a  little  way, 

But  dy'd  for  looking  back  : 
Does  not  her  case  to  pilgrims  say, 
"  Beware  of  growing  slack  ?" 

7  Yea,  Lot  himself  could  ling'ring  stand, 

Though  vengeance  was  in  view ; 
'Twas  mercy  pluck'd  him  by  the  hand, 
Or  he  had  perish'd  too. 

8  The  doom  of  Sodom  will  be  ours, 

If  to  the  earth  we  cleave ; 
Lord,  quicken  all  our  drowsy  pow'rs, 
To  flee  to  thee  and  live. 

VI.    C.     Jehovah-Jireh.    The  Lord  ivilljirovide. 
Chap.  xxii.  14. 

1  The  saints  should  never  be  dismay 'd, 

Nor  sink  in  hopeless  fear ; 
For  when  they  least  expect  his  aid, 
The  Saviour  will  appear. 

2  This  Abraham  found,  he  rais'd  the  knife, 

God  saw,  and  said,  "  Forbear  :" 
Yon  ram  shall  yield  his  meaner  life  ; 
Behold  the  victim  there. 


Hymn  7.  Genesis.  19 

3  Once  David  seem'd  Saul's  certain  prey  ; 

But,  hark  !  the  foe's  at  hand* ; 
Saul  turns  his  arms  another  way, 
To  save  th'  invaded  land. 

4  When  Jonah  sunk  beneath  the  wave, 

He  thought  to  rise  no  moref  ; 
But  God  prepar'd  a  fish  to  save 
And  bear  him  to  the  shore. 

5  Blest  proofs  of  pow'r  and  grace  divine, 

That  meet  us  in  his  word  ! 
May  ev'ry  deep-felt  care  of  mine 
Be  trusted  with  the  Lord. 

6  Wait  for  his  seasonable  aid, 

And  though  it  tarry,  wait : 
The  promise  may  be  long  delay 'd, 
But  cannot  come  too  late. 

VII.    The  Lord  will  provide. 

1  Though  troubles  assail, 

And  dangers  affright, 
Though  friends  should  all  fail, 

And  foes  all  unite  ; 
Yet  one  thing  secures  us5 

Whatever  betide, 
The  Scripture  assures  us, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

2  The  birds  without  barn, 

Or  storehouse,  are  fed ; 
From  them  let  us  learn 
To  trust  for  our  bread  : 

*  1  Sam.^xxiii.  27.        f  Jonah  i.  17. 


Genesis.  Book  I. 


His  saints  what  is  fitting, 
Shall  ne'er  be  deny'd, 

So  long  as  'tis  written, 
The  Lord  will  provide. 

We  may,  like  the  ships, 

By  tempests  be  tost 
On  perilous  deeps, 

But  cannot  be  lost : 
Though  Satan  enrages 

The  wind  and  the  tide, 
The  promise  engages, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

His  call  we  obey, 

Like  Abra'm  of  old, 
Not  knowing  our  way, 

But  faith  makes  us  bold ; 
For  though  we  are  strangers, 

We  have  a  good  guide, 
And  trust  in  all  dangers, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

When  Satan  appears 

To  stop  up  our  path, 
And  fill  us  with  fears, 

We  triumph  by  faith : 
He  cannot  take  from  us, 

Though  oft  he  has  try'd, 
This  heart- cheering  promise, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

He  tells  us  we're  weak, 
Our  hope  is  in  vain, 

The  good  that  we  seek 
We  ne'er  shall  obtain  ; 


Hymn  8.  Getiesis.  21 

But  when  such  suggestions 

Our  spirits  have  ply'd, 
This  answers  all  questions, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

7  No  strength  of  our  own, 

Or  goodness,  we  claim  ; 
Yet  since  we  have  known 

The  Saviour's  great  name, 
In  this  our  strong  tow'r 

For  safety  we  hide, 
The  Lord  is  our  pow'r, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

8  When  life  sinks  apace, 

And  death  is  in  view, 
This  word  of  his  grace 

Shall  comfort  us  through  : 
No  fearing  or  doubting 

With  Christ  on  our  side, 
We  hope  to  die  shouting, 

The  Lord  will  provide. 

VIII.     Esau.     Chap.  xxv.  34.      Heb.  xii.   16. 

1  Poor  Esau  repented  too  late, 

That  once  he  his  birth- right  despis'd, 
And  sold,  for  a  morsel  of  meat, 

What  could  not  too  highly  be  priz'd : 
How  great  was  his  anguish  when  told, 

The  blessing  he  sought  to  obtain 
Was  gone  with  the  birth-right  he  sold, 

And  none  could  recall  it  again  ! 

2  He  stands  as  a  warning  to  all, 

Wherever  the  Gospel  shall  come  ; 
O  hasten  and  yield  to  the  call, 

While  yet  for  repentance  there's  room  ! 


22  Genesis.  Book  I, 

Your  season  will  quickly  be  past ; 

Then  hear  and  obey  it  to-day, 
Lest,  when  you  seek  mercy  at  last, 

The  Saviour  should  frown  you  away. 

3  What  is  it  the  world  can  propose  ? 

A  morsel  of  meat  at  the  best ! 
For  this  are  you  willing  to  lose 

A  share  in  the  joys  of  the  blest  ? 
Its  pleasures  will  speedily  end, 

Its  favour  and  praise  are  but  breath ; 
And  what  can  its  profits  befriend 

Your  soul  in  the  moments  of  death  ? 

4  If  Jesus,  for  these,  you  despise, 

And  sin  to  the  Saviour  prefer ; 
In  vain  your  entreaties  and  cries, 

When  summon'd  to  stand  at  his  bar : 
How  will  you  his  presence  abide  ? 

What  anguish  will  torture  your  heart ! 
The  saints  all  enthron'd  by  his  side, 

And  you  be  compell'd  to  depart. 

5  Too  often,  dear  Saviour,  have  I 

Preferr'd  some  poor  trifle  to  thee ; 
How  is  it  thou  dost  not  deny 

The  blessing  and  birth-right  to  me  ? 
No  better  than  Esau  I  am, 

Though  pardon  and  heaven  be  mine  ; 
To  me  belongs  nothing  but  shame,  • 

The  praise  and  the  glory  be  thine. 

IX.     Jacob's  Ladder.     Chap,  xxviii.  12. 

1  If  the  Lord  our  leader  be, 

We  may  follow  without  fear ; 
East  or  west,  by  land  or  sea, 

Home,  with  him,  is  ev'ry  where  : 


Hymn  9.  Genesis.  23 

When  from  Esau  Jacob  fled, 
Though  his  pillow  was  a  stone, 

And  the  ground  his  humble  bed, 
Yet  he  was  not  left  alone. 

2  Kings  are  often  waking  kept, 

Rack'd  with  cares  on  beds  of  state  ; 
Never  king  like  Jacob  slept, 

For  he  lay  at  heaven's  gate  : 
Lo  !  he  saw  a  ladder  rear'd, 

Reaching  to  the  heav'nly  throne ; 
At  the  top  the  Lord  appear'd, 

Spake,  and  claim'd  him  for  his  own ; 

3  "  Fear  not,  Jacob,  thou  art  mine, 

"  And  my  presence  with  thee  goes  ; 
"  On  thy  heart  my  love  shall  shine, 

"  And  my  arm  subdue  thy  foes  : 
"  From  my  promise  comfort  take, 

"  For  my  help  in  trouble  call ; 
"  Never  will  I  thee  forsake, 

"  Till  I  have  accomplished  all." 

4  Well  does  Jacob's  ladder  suit 

To  the  Gospel-throne  of  grace  ; 
We  are  at  the  ladder's  foot, 

Ev'ry  hour,  in  ev'ry  place : 
By  assuming  flesh  and  blood, 

Jesus  heav'n  and  earth  unites  ; 
We,  by  faith,  ascend  to  God*, 

God  to  dwell  with  us  delights. 

5  They  who  know  the  Saviour's  name,, 

Are  for  all  events  prepar'd  ; 
What  can  changes  do  to  them 

Who  have  such  a  guide  and  guard  ? 

*  2  Cor.  vi.  16. 


24  Genesis,  Book  I. 

Should  they  traverse  earth  around, 
To  the  ladder  still  they  come  : 

Ev'ry  spot  is  holy  ground, 

God  is  there — and  he's  their  home. 

X.     My  name  is  Jacob.     Chap,  xxxii.  27. 

1  Nay,  I  cannot  let  thee  go, 
Till  a  blessing  thou  bestow ; 
Do  not  turn  away  thy  face, 
Mine's  an  urgent,  pressing  case, 

2  Dost  thou  ask  me,  who  I  am  ? 

Ah  !  my  Lord,  thou  knowst  my  name  : 
Yet  the  question  gives  a  plea 
To  support  my  suit  with  thee. 

3  Thou  didst  once  a  wretch  behold, 
In  rebellion  blindly  bold, 

Scorn  thy  grace,  thy  pow'r  defy, 
That  poor  rebel,  Lord,  was  I. 

4  Once  a  sinner,  near  despair, 
Sought  thy  mercy  seat  by  pray'r : 
Mercy  heard  and  set  him  free  ; 
Lord,  that  mercy  came  to  me. 

5  Many  years  have  pass'd  since  then, 
Many  changes  I  have  seen, 

Yet  have  been  upheld  till  now : 
Who  could  hold  me  up  but  thou  ?  * 

6  Thou  hast  help'd  in  ev'ry  need, 
This  emboldens  me  to  plead  ; 
After  so  much  mercy  past, 
Canst  thou  let  me  sink  at  last  ? 


Hymn  11.  Genesis.  2S 

7  No — I  must  maintain  my  hold, 
?Tis  thy  goodness  makes  me  bold ; 
I  can  no  denial  take, 
When  I  plead  for  Jesus'  sake. 

XI.     Plenty  in  the  time  of  Dearth.     Chap.  xii.  56. 

1  My  soul  once  had  its  plenteous  years, 

And  throve,  with  peace  and  comfort  filPd, 
Like  the  fat  kine  and  ripen'd  ears 
Which  Pharaoh  in  his  dream  beheld. 

2  With  pleasing  frames  and  grace  receiv'd, 

With  means  and  ordinances  fed, 
How  happy  for  a  while  I  liv'd, 
And  little  fear'd  the  want  of  bread  ! 

3  But  famine  came,  and  left  no  sign 

Of  ail  the  plenty  I  had  seen  ; 
Like  the  dry  ears  and  half-starv'd  kine, 
I  then  look'd  wither'd,  faint,  and  lean. 

4  To  Joseph  the  Egyptians  went ; 

To  Jesus  I  made  known  my  case  ; 
He,  when  my  little  stock  was  spent, 
Open'd  his  magazine  of  grace. 

5  For  he  the  time  of  dearth  foresaw, 

And  made  provision  long  before  ; 
That  famish'd  souls  like  me  might  draw 
Supplies  from  his  unbounded  store, 

6  Now  on  his  bounty  I  depend, 

And  live  from  fear  of  dearth  secure  ; 
Muintain'd  by  such  a  mighty  Friend,. 
I  cannot  want  till  he  is  poor. 


26  Genesis,  Book  1. 

7  O  sinners,  hear  his  gracious  call ! 

His  mercy's  door  stands  open  wide  ; 
He  has  enough  to  feed  you  all, 

And  none  who  come  shall  be  deny'd. 

XII.      Joseph    made    known   to  his    Brethren. 
Chap.  xli.  3,  4. 

1  Wh  e  n  Joseph  his  brethren  beheld, 

Afflicted  and  trembling  with  fear, 
His  heart  with  compassion  was  filPd  ; 

From  weeping  he  could  not  forbear. 
Awhile  his  behaviour  was  rough, 

To  bring  their  past  sin  to  their  mind ; 
But  when  they  were  humbled  enough, 

He  hasten'd  to  show  himself  kind. 

2  How  little  they  thought  it  was  he 

Whom  they  had  ill-treated  and  sold ! 
How  great  their  confusion  must  be 

As  soon  as  his  name  he  had  told ! 
"  I'm  Joseph,  your  brother,"  he  said, 

"  And  still  to  my  heart  you  are  dear  ; 
"  You  sold  me,  and  thought  I  was  dead, 

"  But  God,  for  your  sakes,  sent  me  here." 

3  Though  greatly  distressed  before, 

When  charg'd  with  purloining  the  cup, 
They  now  were  confounded  much  more, 

Not  one  of  them  durst  to  look  up. 
"  Can  Joseph,  whom  we  would  have  slaim 

"  Forgive  us  the  evil  we  did ; 
"  And  will  he  our  households  maintain? 

"  O  diis  is  a  brother  indeed  !" 

4  Thus  dragg'd  by  my  conscience,  I  came, 

And  laden  with  guilt,  to  the  Lord, 
Surrounded  with  terror  and  shame, 
Unable  to  utter  a  word. 


Hymn   12.  &enesis.  21 

At  first  he  look'd  stern  and  severe  ; 

What  anguish  then  pierced  my  heart ! 
Expecting  each  moment  to  hear 

The  sentence,  "  Thou  cursed,  depart!" 

5  But,  oh  !  what  surprise  when  he  spoke, 

While  tenderness  beam'd  in  his  face  ; 
My  heart  then  to  pieces  was  broke, 

O  erwhelm'd  and  confounded  by  grace : 
"  Poor  sinner,  I  know  thee  full  well, 

"  By  thee  I  was  sold  and  was  slain 
"  But  I  dy'd  to  redeem  thee  from  hell, 

"  And  raise  thee  in  glory  to  reign. 

6  "  I'm  Jesus,  whom  thou  hast  blasphem'd, 

"  And  crucify 'd  often  afresh  ; 
"  But  let  me  henceforth  be  esteem'd, 

"  Thy  brother,  thy  bone,  and  thy  flesh  : 
"  My  pardon  I  freely  bestow, 

"  Thy  wants  I  will  fully  supply  ;    - 
"  I'll  guide  thee  and  guard  thee  below, 

"  And  soon  will  remove  thee  on  high. 

7  "  Go,  publish  to  sinners  around, 

"  That  they  may  be  willing  to  come, 
"  The  mercy  wnich  now  you  have  found, 

"  And  tell  them  that  yet  there  is  room.,, 
Oh,  sinners,  the  message  obey  ! 

No  more  vain  excuses  pretend  ; 
But  come,  without  further  delay, 

To  Jesus,  our  brother  and  friend. 


28  Exodus.  Book  I. 

EXODUS. 

XIII.     The  Bitter  Waters.     Chap.  xv.  23—25. 

1  Bitter,  indeed,  the  waters  are 

Which  in  this  desert  flow  ; 
Though  to  the  eye  they  promise  fair, 
They  taste  of  sin  and  wo. 

2  Of  pleasing  draughts  I  once  could  dream  ; 

But,  now  awake,  I  find, 
That  sin  has  poison'd  ev'ry  stream, 
And  left  a  curse  behind. 

3  But  there *s  a  wonder-working  wood, 

Fve  heard  believers  say, 
Can  make  these  bitter  waters  good, 
And  take  the  curse  away. 

4  The  virtues  of  this  healing  tree 

Are  known  and  priz'd  by  few  : 
Reveal  this  secret,  Lord,  to  me, 
That  I  may  prise  it  too. 

5  The  cross  on  which  the  Saviour  dy'd, 

And  conauer'd  for  his  saints  ; 
This  is  the  tree,  by  faith  apply 'd, 
Which  sweetens  all  complaints. 

6  Thousands  have  found  the  bless'd  effect, 

Nor  longer  mourn  their  lot; 
While  on  his  sorrows  they  reflect, 
Their  own  are  all  forgot. 

7  When  they,  by  faith,  behold  the  cross, 

Though  many  griefs  they  meet ; 
They  draw  a  gain  from  ev'ry  loss, 
And  find  the  bitter  sweet. 


Hymn  15.  Exodus.  29 

XIV.  C.  Jehovah  Rofihi, — J  am  the  Lord  that  heal- 
eth  thee.     Chap.  xv. 

1  Heal  us,  Immanuel,  here  we  are, 

Waiting  to  feel  thy  touch ; 
Deep  wounded  souls  to  thee  repair, 
And,  Saviour,  we  are  such. 

2  Our  faith  is  feeble,  we  confess, 

We  faintly  trust  thy  word ; 
But  wilt  thou  pity  us  the  less  ? 
Be  that  far  from  the  Lord  ! 

3  Remember  him  who  once  apply 'd, 

With  trembling,  for  relief; 
"  Lord,  I  believe/'  with  tears  he  cried, 
"  O  help  my  unbelief*." 

4  She  too,  who  touch'd  thee  in  the  press, 

And  healing  virtue  stole, 
Was  answer 'd,  "  Daughter,  go  in  peace, 
"  Thy  faith  hath  made  thee  wholef ." 

5  Conceal'd  amid  the  gathering  throng, 

She  would  have  shunn'd  thy  view  ; 
And  if  her  faith  was  firm  and  strong, 
Had  strong  misgivings  too. 

6  Like  her,  with  hopes  and  fears,  we  come. 

To  touch  thee  if  we  may ; 
Oh !  send  us  not  despairing  home, 
Send  none  unheal 'd  away. 

XV.     Manna.     Chap.  xvi.   18. 

1  Manna  to  Israel  well  supply 'd 
The  want  of  other  bread  ; 
While  God  is  able  to  provide, 
His  people  shall  be  fed. 

*  Mark  ix.  24.         f  Mark  v.  34. 
C  2 


30  Exodus.  Book  I. 

2  (Thus  though  the  corn  and  wine  should  fail, 

And  creature- streams  be  dry, 
The  pray'r  of  faith  will  still  prevail, 
For  blessings  from  on  high.) 

3  Of  his  kind  care  how  sweet  a  proof ! 

It  suited  ev'ry  taste  : 
Who  gather 'd  most  had  just  enough, 
Enough,  who  gathered  least. 

4  'Tis  thus  our  gracious  Lord  provides 

Our  comforts  and  our  cares ; 
His  own  unerring  hand  provides, 
And  gives  us  each  our  shares. 

5  He  knows  how  much  the  weak  can  bear, 

And  helps  them  when  they  cry  ; 
The  strongest  have  no  strength  to  spare, 
For  such  he'll  strongly  try. 

6  Daily  they  saw  the  Manna  come, 

And  cover  all  the  ground  ; 
But  what  they  try'd  to  keep  at  home, 
Corrupted  soon  was  found. 

7  Vain  their  attempt  to  store  it  up, 

This  was  to  tempt  the  Lord  ; 
Israel  must  live  by  faith  and  hope, 
And  not  upon  a  hoard. 

XVI.     Manna  hoarded.     Chap.  xvi.  20. 

1  The  Manna,  favour'd  Israel's  meat, 
Was  gather'd  day  by  day ; 
When  all  the  host  was  serv'd,  the  heat 
Melted  the  rest  away. 


Hymn  17.  Exodus.  31 

2  In  vain  to  hoard  it  up  they  try'd, 

Against  to-morrow  came ; 
It  then  bred  worms  and  putrefy'd, 
And  prov'd  their  sin  and  shame. 

3  'Twas  daily  bread,  and  would  not  keep, 

But  must  be  still  renew'd  ; 
Faith  should  not  want  a  hoard  or  heap, 
But  trust  the  Lord  for  food. 

4  The  truths  by  which  the  soul  is  fed, 

Must  thus  be  had  afresh  ; 
For  notions  resting  in  the  head 
Will  only  feed  the  flesh. 

5  However  true,  they  have  no  life 

Or  unction  to  impart ; 
They  breed  the  worms  of  pride  and  strife, 
But  cannot  cheer  the  heart. 

6  Nor  can  the  best  experience  past 

The  life  of  faith  maintain ; 
The  brightest  hope  will  faint  at  last, 
Unless  supply'd  again. 

7  Dear  Lord,  while  we  in  pray'r  are  found, 

Do  thou  the  Manna  give  ; 

Oh  I  let  it  fall  on  all  around, 

That  we  may  eat  and  live. 

XVII.     C.     Jehovah  Mssi, —  The  Lord  my  banner. 
Chap.  xvii.  15. 

1  By  whom  was  David  taught 

To  aim  the  dreadful  biow, 
When  he  Goliath  fought, 

And  laid  the  Gittite  low  ? 
No  sword  nor  spear  the  stripling  took, 
But  chose  a  pebble  from  the  brook. 


32  Exodus.  Book  I. 

2  'Twas  Israel's  God  and  King, 

Who  sent  him  to  the  fight ; 
Who  gave  him  strength  to  sling, 

And  skill  to  aim  aright. 
Ye  feeble  saints,  your  strength  endures, 
Because  young  David's  God  is  yours. 

3  Who  order'd  Gideon  forth, 

To  storm  th'  invaders'  camp, 
With  arms  of  little  worth, 

A  pitcher  and  a  lamp*  ? 
The  trumpets  made  his  coming  known, 
And  all  the  host  was  overthrown. 

4  Oh !  I  have  seen  the  day, 

When,  with  a  single  word, 
God  helping  me  to  say, 

My  trust  is  in  the  Lord, 
My  soul  has  quell 'd  a  thousand  foes, 
Fearless  of  all  that  could  oppose. 

5  But  unbelief,  self-will, 

Self-righteousness,  and  pride, 
How  often  do  they  steal 

My  weapon  from  my  side  ? 
Yet  David's  Lord,  and  Gideon's  Friend, 
Will  help  his  servant  to  the  end. 

XVIII.     The  Golden  Calf.     Chap,  xxxii.  4.31. 

1  Wh  e  n  Israel  heard  the  fiery  law 
From  Sinai's  top  proclaim'd, 
Their  hearts  seem'd  full  of  holy  awe, 
Their  stubborn  spirits  tam'd. 

*  Judges  vii.  20. 


Hymn  19.  Leviticus.  33 

2  Yet,  as  forgetting  all  they  knew, 

Ere  forty  days  were  past, 
With  blazing  Sinai  still  in  view, 
A  molten  calf  they  cast. 

3  Yea,  Aaron,  God's  anointed  priest, 

Who  on  the  mount  had  been, 
He  durst  prepare  the  idol  beast, 
And  lead  them  on  to  sin. 

4  Lord,  what  is  man,  and  what  are  we, 

To  recompense  thee  thus  ! 
In  their  offence  our  own  we  see, 
Their  story  points  at  us. 

5  From  Sinai  we  heard  thee  speak, 

And  from  mount  Calv'ry  too  ; 
And  yet  to  idols  oft  we  seek, 
While  thou  art  in  our  view. 

6  Some  golden  calf,  or  golden  dream, 

Some  fancied  creature- good, 
Presumes  to  share  the  heart  with  him, 
Who  bought  the  whole  with  blood. 

7  Lord,  save  us  from  our  golden  calves, 

Our  sin  with  grief  we  own ; 
We  would  no  more  be  thine  by  halves. 
But  live  to  thee  alone. 

LEVITICUS. 

XIX.   The  true  Aaron.     Chap.  viii.  7 — 9. 

1  See  Aaron,  God's  anointed  priest, 
Within  the  vail  appear, 
In  robes  of  mystic  meaning  drest, 
Presenting  Israel's  prayer. 


34  Leviticus.  Book  I. 

2  The  plate  of  gold  which  crowns  his  brows, 

His  holiness  describes ; 
His  breast  displays,  in  shining  rows, 
The  names  of  all  the  tribes. 

3  With  the  atoning  blood  he  stands 

Before  the  mercy  seat ; 
And  clouds  of  incense  from  his  hands 
Arise  with  odour  sweet. 

4  Urim  and  Thummim  near  his  heart, 

In  rich  engravings  worn, 
The  sacred  light  of  truth  impart, 
To  teach  and  to  adorn. 

5  Through  him  the  eye  of  faith  descries, 

A  greater  priest  than  he  : 
Thus  Jesus  pleads  above  the  skies, 
For  you,  my  friends,  and  me. 

6  He  bears  the  names  of  all  his  saints 

Deep  on  his  heart  engrav'd  ; 
Attentive  to  the  state  and  wants 
Of  all  his  love  has  sav'd. 

7  In  him  a  holiness  complete, 

Light  and  perfections  shine ; 
And  wisdom,  grace,  and  glory  meet ; 
A  Saviour  all  divine. 

8  The  blood,  which  as  a  priest  he  bears 

For  sinners,  is  his  own  ; 
The  incense  of  his  prayers  and  tears 
Perfume  the  holy  throne. 

9  In  him  my  weaiy  soul  has  rest 

Though  I  am  weak  and  vile  ; 
I  read  my  name  upon  his  breast, 
And  see  the  Father  smile. 


Hymn  20.  Numbers.  35 

NUMBERS. 

XX.     Balaam's  Wish*.     Chap,  xxiii.    10. 

1  How  blest  the  righteous  are 

When  they  resign  their  breath ! 
No  wonder  Balaam  wish'd  to  share 
In  such  a  happy  death. 

2  "Oh!  let  me  die,"  said  he, 

"  The  death  the  righteous  do  ; 
"  When  life  is  ended,  let  me  be 
"  Found  with  the  faithful  few." 

3  The  force  of  truth,  how  great ! 

When  enemies  confess, 
None  but  the  righteous,  whom  they  hate, 
A  solid  hope  possess. 

4  But  Balaam's  wish  was  vain, 

His  heart  was  insincere ; 
He  thirsted  for  unrighteous  gainp 
And  sought  a  portion  here. 

5  He  seem'd  the  Lord  to  know, 

And  to  offend  him  loath  ; 
But  Mammon  prov'd  his  overthrow, 
For  none  can  serve  them  both, 

6  May  you,  my  friends,  and  I, 

Warning  from  hence  receive  ; 
If  like  the  righteous  we  would  die, 
To  choose  the  life  they  live. 

*  Book  iii.  Hym  71. 


36  Joshua.  Book  I. 

JOSHUA. 

XXI.     Gibeon.     Chap.  x.  6. 

1  Wh  e  n  Joshua,  by  God's  command, 
Invaded  Canaan's  guilty  land, 
Gibeon,  unlike  the  nations  round, 
Submission  made,  and  mercy  found. 

2  Their  stubborn  neighbours  who,  enrag*d, 
United  war  against  them  wag'd, 

By  Joshua  soon  were  overthrown, 
For  Gibeon's  cause  was  now  his  own. 

3  He  from  whose  arm  they  ruin  fear'd, 
Their  leader  and  ally  appear'd ; 

An  Emblem  of  the  Saviour's  grace, 
To  those  who  humbly  seek  his  face. 

4  The  men  of  Gibeon  wore  disguise, 
And  gain'd  their  peace  by  framing  lies ; 
For  Joshua  had  no  power  to  spare, 

If  he  had  known  from  whence  they  were. 

5  But  Jesus  invitations  sends, 
Treating  with  rebels  as  his  friends ; 
And  holds  the  promise  forth  in  view, 
To  all  who  for  his  mercy  sue. 

6  Too  long  his  goodness  I  disdain'd, 
Yet  went  at  last  and  peace  obtain'd  \ 
But  soon  the  noise  of  war  I  heard, 
And  former  friends  in  arms  appear  M. 

7  Weak  in  myself,  for  help  I  cried, 

"  Lord,  I  am  press'd  on  ev'ry  side ; 

"  The  cause  is  thine,  they  fight  with  me, 

"  But  ev'ry  blow  is  aim'd  at  thee." 


Hymn  22.  Judges.  37 

8  With  speed  to  my  relief  he  came, 
And  put  my  enemies  to  shame  ; 
Thus  sav'd  by  grace  I  live  to  sing 
The  love  and  triumphs  of  my  King. 

JUDGES. 

XXII.     C.     Jehovah  Shalem^ — The  Lord  send 
Peace.     Chap.  vi.  24. 

1  Jesus,  whose  blood  so  freely  stream 'd 

To  satisfy  the  law's  demand, 
By  thee  from  guilt  and  wrath  redeem'd, 
Before  the  Father's  face  I  stand. 

2  To  reconcile  offending  man, 

Make  justice  drop  her  angry  rod ; 
What  creature  could  have  form'd  the  plan, 
Or  who  fulfil  it,  but  a  God  ? 

3  No  drop  remains  of  all  the  curse, 

For  wretches  who  deserv'd  the  whole  ; 
No  arrows  dipt  in  wrath,  to  pierce 
The  guilty,  but  returning  soul. 

4  Peace  by  such  means  so  dearly  bought, 

What  rebel  could  have  hop'd  to  see  ? 
Peace,  by  his  injur'd  Sov 'reign  wrought, 
His  Sov 'reign  fasten'd  to  a  tree. 

5  Now,  Lord,  thy  feeble  worm  prepare ! 

For  strife  with  earth  and  hell  begins ; 
Confirm  and  gird  me  for  the  war, 

They  hate  the  soul  that  hates  his  sins. 

6  Let  them  in  horrid  league  agree  ! 

They  may  assault,  they  may  distress ; 
Bat  cannot  quench  thy  love  to  me, 
Nor  rob  me  of  the  Lord  my  peace, 
D 


Ss  Judges.  Book  I 

XXIII.      Gideon's  Fleece.     Chap.  vi.  37 — 40. 

;1  The  signs  which  God  to  Gideon  gave, 
His  holy  sov'reignty  made  known, 
That  He  alone  has  pow'r  to  save, 
And  claims  the  glory  as  his  own. 

2  The  dew  which  first  the  fleece  had  fill'd, 

When  all  the  earth  was  dry  around, 
Was  from  it  afterwards  withheld, 
And  only  fell  upon  the  ground. 

3  To  Israel  thus  the  heavenly  dew 

Of  saving- truth  was  long  restrain'd ; 
Of  which  the  Gentiles  nothing  knew, 
But  dry  and  desolate  remain'd. 

4  But  now  the  Gentiles  have  receiv'd 

The  balmy  dew  of  Gospel  peace ; 
And  Israel,  who  his  Spirit  griev'd, 
Is  left  a  dry  and  empty  fleece. 

5  This  dew  still  falls  at  his  command, 

To  keep  his  chosen  plants  alive  ; 
They  shall,  though  in  a  thirsty  land, 
Like  willows  by  the  waters  thrive*. 

6  But  chiefly  when  his  people  meet, 

To  hear  his  word  and  seek  his  face ; 
The  gentle  dew,  with  influence  sweet, 
Descends  and  nourishes  their  grace. 

7  But,  ah  !  what  numbers  still  are  dead, 

Though  under  means  of  grace  they  lie  ! 
The  dew  still  failing  round  their  head, 
And  yet  their  heart  untouch'd  and  dry. 

*  Isa.  xliv.  4. 


Hymn  24.  Judges.  §9 

8  Dear  Saviour,  hear  us  when  we  call, 
To  wrestling  pray'r  an  answer  give  ; 
Pour  down  thy  dew  upon  us  all, 
That  all  may  feel,  and  all  may  live. 

XXIV.      Samson's  Lion.     Chap.  xiv.  8. 

1  The  lion  that  on  Samson  roar'd 

And  thirsted  for  his  blood, 
With  honey  afterwards  was  stor'd, 
And  furnish 'd  him  with  food. 

2  Believers,  as  they  pass  along, 

With  many  lions  meet, 
But  gather  sweetness  from  the  strong, 
And  from  the  eater,  meat. 

3  The  lions  rage  and  roar  in  vain, 

For  Jesus  is  their  shield; 
Their  losses  prove  a  certain  gain, 
Their  troubles  comfort  yield. 

4  The  world  and  Satan  join  their  strength, 

To  fill  their  souls  with  fears  : 
But  crops  of  joy  they  reap  at  length, 
From  what  they  sow  in  tears. 

B  Afflictions  make  them  love  the  word, 
Stir  up  their  hearts  to  pray'r  ; 
And  many  precious  proofs  aiford 
Of  their  Redeemer's  care. 

6  The  lions  roar,  but  cannot  kill ; 

Then  fear  them  not,  my  friends, 
They  bring  us,  though  against  their  will, 
The  honey  Jesus  sends. 


40  1  Samuel*  Book  I. 

I:  SAMUEL. 

XXV.  Hannah  ;  or, the  Throne  of  Grace.  Chap.  i.  \t. 

1  When  Hannah,  press'd  with  grief, 
Pour'd  forth  her  soul  in  pray'r, 
She  quickly  found  relief, 

And  left  her  burden  there  : 
Like  her,  in  ev'ry  trying  case, 
Let  us  approach  the  throne  of  grace. 

2  When  she  began  to  pray, 

Her  heart  was  pain'd  and  sad, 
But,  ere  she  went  away, 

Was  comforted  and  glad : 
In  trouble,  what  a  resting-place 
Have  they  who  know  the  throne  of  grace ! 

3  Though  men  and  devils  rage, 

And  threaten  to  devour ; 
The  saints,  from  age  to  age, 

Are  safe  from  all  their  pow'r ; 
Fresh  strength  they  gain  to  run  their  race, 
By  waiting  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

i  Eli  her  case  mistook ; 

How  was  her  spirit  mov'd 
By  his  unkind  rebuke  ? 

But  God  her  cause  approval. 
We  need  not  fear  a  creature's  face, 
While  welcome  at  a  throne  of  grace.  - 

>  She  was  not  fill'd  with  wine, 

As  Eli  rashly  thought ; 
But  with  a  faith  divine, 

And  found  the  help  she  sought : 
Though  men  despise,  and  call  us  base, 
Still  let  us  ply  the  throne  of  grace. 


Hymn  26.  1  Samuel.  41 

6  Men  have  notpow'r  nor  skill 

With  troubled  souls  to  bear  ; 
Though  they  express  good- will, 

Poor  comforters  they  are  : 
But  swelling  sorrows  sink  apace, 
When  we  approach  the  throne  of  grace . 

7  Numbers  before  have  try'd, 

And  found  the  promise  true  ; 
Nor  yet  one  been  deny'd, 

Then  why  should  I  or  you  ? 
Let  us,  by  faith,  their  footsteps  trace, 
And  hasten  to  the  throne  of  grace. 

8  As  fogs  obscure  the  light, 

And  taint  the  morning  air, 
But  soon  are  put  to  flight, 

If  the  bright  sun  appear  ; 
Thus  Jesus  will  our  troubles  chase, 
By  shining  from  the  throne  of  grace*. 

XXVI.     Dagon  before  the  Ark.     Chap.  v.  4,  5. 

1  When  first  to  make  my  heart  his  own, 

The  Lord  reveal'd  his  mighty  grace 
Self  reign'd,  like  Dagon,  on  the  throne, 
But  could  not  long  maintain  its  place, 

2  It  fell,  and  own'd  the  pow'r  divine, 

(Grace  can,  with  ease,  the  vict'ry  gain,*) 
But  soon  this  wretched  heart  of  mine, 
Contriv'd  to  set  it  up  again. 

3  Again  the  Lord  his  name  proclaim'd, 

And  brought  the  hateful  idol  low ; 
Then  self,  like  Dagon,  broken,  maim'd* 
Seem'd  to  receive  a  mortal  blow,. 

*  Book  ii,  Hvmn  61. 
D  % 


42  1  Samuel.  Book  I. 

4  Yet  self  is  not  of  life  bereft, 

Nor  ceases  to  oppose  his  will ; 
Though  but  a  maimed  stump  be  left, 
'Tis  Dagon,  'tis  an  idol  still. 

5  Lord !  must  I  always  guilty  prove, 

And  idols  in  my  heart  have  room*  ? 
Oh !  let  the  fire  of  heav'nly  love 
The  very  stump  of  self  consume. 

XXVII.      The  Milch  Kine  drawing  the  Ark  :  Faith's 
surrender  of  all.     Chap.  vi.  12. 

1  The  kine  unguided  went 

By  the  directest  road ; 
When  the  Philistines  homeward  sent 
The  ark  of  Israel's  God. 

2  Lowing  they  pass'd  along, 

And  left  their  calves  shut  up  ; 
They  felt  an  instinct  for  their  young, 
But  would  not  turn  or  stop. 

3  Shall  brutes,  devoid  of  thought, 

Their  Maker's  will  obey  ; 
And  we,  who  by  his  grace  are  taught, 
More  stubborn  prove  than  they. 

4  He  shed  his  precious  blood, 

To  make  us  his  alone ; 
If  wash'd  in  that  atoning  flood, 
We  are  no  more  our  own. 

5  If  he  his  will  reveal, 

Let  us  obey  his  call ; 
And  think,  whate'er  the  flesh  may  feel, 
His  love  deserves  our  all. 

*  Hosea  xiv.  8. 


Hymn  28.  1  Samuel.  43 

6  We  should  maintain  in  view   . 

His  glory,  as  our  end  ; 
Too  much  we  cannot  bear,  or  do, 
For  such  a  matchless  friend. 

7  His  saints  should  stand  prepar'd 

In  duty's  path  to  run ; 
Nor  count  their  greatest  trials  hard, 
So  that  his  will  be  done. 

8  With  Jesus  for  our  guide, 

The  path  is  safe,  though  rough ; 
The  promise  says,  "  I  will  provide,'' 
And  faith  replies,  "  Enough !" 

XXVIII.      Saul's  Armour.     Chap.  xvii.  38—40. 

1  When  first  my  soul  enlisted, 

My  Saviour's  foes  to  fight, 
Mistaken  friends  insisted 

I  was  not  arm'd  aright : 
So  Saul  advised  David 

He  certainly  would  fail, 
Nor  could  his  life  be  saved 

Without  a  coat  of  mail. 

2  But  David,  though  he  yielded 

To  put  the  armour  on, 
Soon  found  he  could  not  wield  it, 
&       And  ventur'd  forth  with  none. 
With  only  sling  and  pebble, 

He  fought  the  fight  of  faith ; 
The  weapons  seem'd  but  feeble, 

Yet  prov'd  Goliath's  death. 


41  1  Samuel,  Book  I. 

3  Had  I  by  him  been  guided, 

And  quickly  thrown  away 
The  armour  men  provided, 

I  might  have  gain'd  the  day  ; 
But  arm'd  as  they  ad  vis 'd  me, 

My  expectations  fail'd ; 
My  enemy  surpris'd  me, 

And  had  almost  prevail'd. 

4  Furnish'd  with  books  and  notions, 

And  arguments  and  pride, 
I  practis'd  all  my  motions, 

And  Satan's  pow'r  defy'd : 
But  soon  perceiv'd,  with  trouble, 

That  these  would  do  no  good ; 
Iron  to  him  is  stubble, 

And  brass  like  rotten  wood*. 

5  I  triumph'd  at  a  distance, 

While  he  was  out  of  sight, 
But  faint  was  my  resistance, 

When  forc'd  to  join  in  fight : 
He  broke  my  sword  in  shivers, 

And  pierc'd  my  boasted  shield, 
Laugh'd  at  my  vain  endeavours, 

And  drove  me  from  the  field. 

6  Satan  will  not  be  braved 

By  such  a  worm  as  I ; 
Then  let  me  learn  with  David     t      • 

To  trust  in  the  Most  High ; 
To  plead  the  name  of  Jesus, 

And  use  the  sling  of  pray 'r  : 
Thus  arm'd,  when  Satan  sees  us, 

He'll  tremble  and  despair. 

*  Job  xli.  27. 


Hymn  29.  2  Samuel.  45 

II.  SAMUEL. 

.  XXIX.     David's  Fall.     Chap.  xi.  27. 

1  How  David,  when  by  sin  deceived, 

From  bad  to  worse  went  on  ! 
For  when  the  holy  Spirit's  griev'd, 
Our  strength  and  guard  are  gone. 

2  His  eye,  on  Bathsheba  once  fix'd, 

With  poison  fill'd  his  soul  ; 
He  ventur'd  on  adult'ry  next, 
And  murder  crown'd  the  whole. 

3  So  from  a  spark  of  fire  at  first, 

That  has  not  been  descry 'd, 
A  dreadful  flame  has  often  burst, 
And  ravag'd  far  and  wide. 

4  When  sin  deceives,  it  hardens  too ; 

For,  though  he  vainly  sought 
To  hide  his  crimes  from  public  view, 
Of  God  he  little  thought. 

5  He  neither  would,  nor  could,  repent, 

No  true  compunction  felt, 
'Till  God,  in  mercy,  Nathan  sent, 
His  stubborn  heart  to  melt. 

6  The  parable  held  forth  a  fact, 

Design'd  his  case  to  show ; 
But,  though  the  picture  was  exact, 
Him  sell  he  did  not  know. 

7  "■  Thou  art  the  man,"  the  prophet  said  ; 

That  word  his  slumber  broke  : 
And  when  he  own'd  his  sin,  and  pray'd, 
The  Lord  forgiveness  spoke. 


46  3  Samuel.  Book  I. 

8  Let  those  who  think  they  stand  beware, 
For  David  stood  before ; 
Nor  let  the  fallen  soul  despair,  . 
For  mercy  can  restore. 

XXX.     Is  this  thy  kindness  to  thy  friend? 
Chap.  xvi.  17. 

1  Poor,  weak,  and  worthless,  though  I  am, 

I  have  a  rich,  almighty  Friend ; 
Jesus,  the  Saviour,  is  his  name, 
He  freely  loves,  and  without  end. 

2  He  ransom'd  me  from  hell  with  blood, 

And  by  his  pow'r  my  foes  controlTd ; 
He  found  me  wand'ring  far  from  God, 
And  brought  me  to  his  chosen  fold. 

3  He  cheers  my  heart,  my  want  supplies, 

And  says,  that  I  shall  shortly  be 
Enthron'd  with  him  above  the  skies — 
Oh  !  what  a  friend  is  Christ  to  me ! 

4  But,  ah  !  my  inmost  spirit  mourns, 

And  well  my  eyes  with  tears  may  swim, 
To  think  of  my  perverse  returns  ; 
IVe  been  a  faithless  friend  to  him. 

5  Often  my  gracious  Friend  I  grieve, 

Neglect,  distrust,  and  disobey, 
And  often  Satan's  lies  believe, 

Sooner  than  all  my  Friend  can  say. 

6  He  bids  me  always  freely  come, 

And  promises  whate'er  I  ask  : 
But  I  am  straiten'd,  cold,  and  dumb, 
And  count  my  privilege  a  task. 


Hymn  31.  1  King*.  47 

7  Before  the  world,  that  hates  his  cause, 

My  treacherous  heart  has  throbb'd  with 
shame ; 
Loath  to  forego  the  world's  applause, 
I  hardly  dare  avow  his  name. 

8  Sure,  were  not  I  most  vile  and  base, 

I  could  not  thus  my  Friend  requite  ! 
And  were  not  he  the  God  of  grace, 

He'd  frown  and  spurn  me  from  his  sight. 

I.  KINGS. 

XXXI.     Mk  what  I  shall  give  thee.     Chap.  iii.  5, 

1  Come,  my  soul,  thy  suit  prepare, 
Jesus  loves  to  answer  prayV, 

He  himself  has  bid  thee  pray, 
Therefore  will  not  say  thee  nay. 

2  Thou  art  coming  to  a  King, 
Large  petitions  with  thee  bring*  ; 
For  his  grace  and  pow'r  are  such, 
None  can  ever  ask  too  much. 

3  With  my  burden  I  begin, 
Lord,  remove  this  load  of  sin  ! 
Let  thy  blood,  for  sinners  spilt, 
Set  my  conscience  free  from  guilt. 

4  Lord !  I  come  to  thee  for  rest, 
Take  possession  of  my  breast ; 

There  thy  blood- bought  right  maintain, 
And  without  a  rival  reign. 

5  As  the  image  in  the  glass 
Answers  the  beholder's  face  ; 
Thus  unto  my  heart  appear, 
Print  thine  own  resemblance  there. 

*  Psalm  lxxxi.  10. 


48  1  Kings.  Book  I. 

6  While  I  am  a  pilgrim  here, 
Let  thy  love  my  spirit  cheer  ; 

As  my  Guide,  my  Guard,  my  Friend, 
Lead  me  to  my  journey's  end. 

7  Show  me  what  I  have  to  do, 
Ev'ry  hour  my  strength  renew ; 
Let  me  live  a  life  of  faith, 

Let  me  die  thy  people's  death. 

XXXII.     Another. 

1  If  Solomon  for  wisdom  pray'd, 

The  Lord  before  had  made  him  wise ; 
Else  he  another  choice  had  made, 

And  ask'd  for  what  the  worldlings  prize. 

1  Thus  he  invites  his  people  still ; 

He  first  instructs  them  how  to  choose, 
Then  bids  them  ask  whate'er  they  will, 
Assur'd  that  He  will  not  refuse. 

3  Our  wishes  would  our  ruin  prove, 

Could  we  our  wretched  choice  obtain, " 
Before  we  feel  the  Saviour's  love 
Kindle  our  love  to  him  again. 

4  But  when  our  hearts  perceive  his  worth, 

Desires,  till  then  unknown,  take  place ; 
Our  spirits  cleave  no  more  to  earth, 
But  pant  for  holiness  and  grace.    ' 

5  And  dost  thou  say,  "  Ask  what  thou  wilt  T\ 

Lord,  1  would  seize  the  golden  hour ; 
I  pray  to  be  releas'd  from  guilt, 

And  freed  from  sin  and  Satan's  pow'r. 


Hymn  33.  i  Kings.  49 

6  More  of  thy  presence,  Lord,  impart, 

More  of  thine  image  let  me  bear ; 
Erect  thy  throne  within  my  heart, 
And  reign  without  a  rival  there. 

7  Give  me  to  read  my  pardon  seal'd, 

And  from  thy  joy  to  draw  my  strength ; 
To  have  thy  boundless  love  reveal'd 
In  all  its  height,  and  breadth,  and  length. 

8  Grant  these  requests,  I  ask  no  more, 

But  to  thy  care  the  rest  resign  ; 
Sick,  or  in  health,  or  rich,  or  poor, 
All  shall  be  well  if  thou  art  mine. 

XXXIII.     Another. 

1  Behold  the  throne  of  grace ! 
The  promise  calls  me  near ; 

There  Jesus  shows  a  smiling  face, 
And  waits  to  answer  pray'r. 

2  That  rich  atoning  blood 
Which  sprinkled  round  I  see, 

Provides  for  those  who  come  to  God 
An  all-prevailing  plea. 

3  My  soul,  ask  what  thou  wilt, 
Thou  canst  not  be  too  bold ; 

Since  his  own  blood  for  thee  he  spilt, 
What  else  can  he  withhold  ? 

4  Beyond  thy  utmost  wants 
His  love  and  pow'r  can  bless  ; 

To  praying  souls  he  always  grants 
More  than  they  can  express. 
E 


50  1  Kings.  Book  I. 

5  Since  'tis  the  Lord's  command, 
My  mouth  I  open  wide  ; 

Lord,  open  thou  thy  bounteous  hand, 
That  I  may  be  supply 'd. 

6  Thine  image,  Lord,  bestow, 
Thy  presence  and  thy  love  ; 

I  ask  to  serve  thee  here  below, 
And  reign  with  thee  above. 

7  Teach  me  to  live  by  faith, 
Conform  my  will  to  thine  ; 

Let  me  victorious  be  in  death, 
And  then  in  glory  shine. 

8  If  thou  these  blessings  give, 
And  wilt  my  portion  be, 

Cheerful  the  world's  poor  toys  I  leave 
To  them  who  know  not  thee. 


XXXIV.     Queen  of  Sheba.     Chap.  x.  1— .9 

1  From  Sheba  a  distant  report 

Of  Solomon's  glory  and  fame, 
Invited  the  queen  to  his  court, 

But  all  was  outdone  when  she  came  : 
She  cry'd,  with  a  pleased  surprise, 

When  first  she  before  him  appear'd, 
"  How  much  what  I  see  with  my  eyes 

"  Surpasses  the  rumour  I  heard  !" 

2  When  once  to  Jerusalem  come, 

The  treasure  and  train  she  had  brought, 
The  wealth  she  possessed  at  home, 
No  longer  had  place  in  her  thought : 


Hymn  34.  1  Kings.  51 

His  house,  his  attendants,  his  throne, 
All  struck  her  with  wonder  and  awe  ; 

The  glory  of  Solomon  shone 
In  every  object  she  saw. 

3  But  Solomon  most  she  admir'd, 

Whose  spirit  conducted  the  whole ; 
His  wisdom,  which  God  had  inspir'd, 

His  bounty  and  greatness  of  soul ; 
Of  all  the  hard  questions  she  put, 

A  ready  solution  he  show'd ; 
Exceeded  her  wish  and  her  suit, 

And  more  than  she  ask'd  him  bestow'd. 

4  Thus  I,  when  the  Gospel  proclaim'd 

The  Saviour's  great  name  in  my  ears, 
The  wisdom  for  which  he  is  fam'd, 

The  love  which  to  sinners  he  bears  ; 
I  long'd,  and  I  was  not  deny'd, 

That  I  in  his  presence  might  bow  : 
I  saw,  and  transported  I  cry'd, 

"  A  greater  than  Solomon  Thou  I" 

5  My  conscience  no  comfort  could  find, 

By  doubt  and  hard  questions  oppos'd ; 
But  he  restor'd  peace  to  my  mind, 

And  answer'd  each  doubt  I  propos'd  : 
Beholding  me  poor  and  distress'd, 

His  bounty  supply'd  all  my  wants  ; 
My  pray'r  could  have  never  express'd 

So  much  as  this  Solomon  grants. 

6  I  heard,  and  was  slow  to  believe, 

But  now  with  my  eyes  I  behold 
Much  more  than  my  heart  could  conceive, 
Or  language  could  ever  have  told. 


32  1  Kings.  Book  I, 

How  happy  thy  servants  must  be, 
Who  always  before  thee  appear  I 

Vouchsafe,  Lord,  this  blessing  to  me, 
I  find  it  is  good  to  be  here. 

XXXV.     Elijah  fed  by  Ravens*.     Chap.  xvii.  $. 

1  Elijah's  example  declares, 

Whatever  distress  may  betide, 
The  saints  may  commit  all  their  cares 

To  Him  who  will  surely  provide. 
i  When  rain  long  withheld  from  the  earth 

Occasion'd  a  famine  of  bread, 
The  prophet,  secur'd  from  the  dearth, 

By  ravens  was  constantly  fed. 

2  More  likely  to  rob,  than  to  feed, 

Were  ravens  who  live  upon  prey  ; 
But  when  the  Lord's  people  have  need, 

His  goodness  will  find  out  a  way  : 
This  instance  to  those  may  seem  strange, 

Who  know  not  how  faith  can  prevail  j 
But  sooner  all  nature  shall  change, 

Than  one  of  God's  promises  fail. 

3  Nor  is  it  a  singular  case, 

The  wonder  is  often  renew 'd ; 
And  many  can  say  to  his  praise, 

He  sends  them  by  ravens  their  food ; 
Thus  worldlings,  though  ravens  indeed, 

Though  greedy  and  selfish  their  mind, 
If  God  has  a  servant  to  feed, 

Against  their  own  wills  can  be  kind. 

*  Book  iii.  Hvmn  47. 


Hymn  36,  1  Kings.  53 

4  Thus  Satan,  that  raven  unclean, 

Who  croaks  in  the  ears  of  the  saints, 
Compell'd  by  a  power  unseen, 

Administers  oft  to  their  wants  : 
God  teaches  them  how  to  find  food 

From  all  the  temptations  they  feel ; 
This  raven,  who  thirsts  for  my  blood, 

Has  help'd  me  to  many  a  meal. 

5  How  safe,  and  how  happy  are  they, 

Who  on  the  good  Shepherd  rely  ! 
He  gives  them  out  strength  for  their  day, 

Their  wants  he  will  surely  supply  : 
He  ravens  and  lions  can  tame, 

All  creatures  obey  his  command ; 
Then  let  me  rejoice  in  his  name, 

And  leave  all  my  cares  in  his  hand. 


XXXVI.  The  Meal  and  Cruse  of  Oil.  Chap.  xvii.  16. 

1  By  the  poor  widow's  oil  and  meal 

Elijah  was  sustained; 
Though  small  the  stock,  it  lasted  well, 
For  God  the  store  maintain'd. 

2  It  seem'd  as  if,  from  day  to  day, 

They  wrere  to  eat  and  die ; 
But  still,  though  in  a  secret  way, 
He  sent  a  fresh  supply. 

3  Thus  to  his  poor  he  still  will  give 

Just  for  the  present  hour ; 
But  for  to-morrow  they  must  live 
Upon  his  word  and  pow'r, 
E2 


54  2  Kings.  Book  L 

4  No  barn  nor  store-house  they  possess 

On  which  they  can  depend  ; 
Yet  have  no  cause  to  fear  distress, 
For  Jesus  is  their  friend. 

5  Then  let  not  doubts  your  mind  assail, 

Remember  God  has  said, 
"  The  cruse  and  barrel  shall  not  fail, 
"  My  people  shall  be  fed." 

6  And  thus,  though  faint  it  often  seems, 

He  keeps  their  grace  alive  ; 
Supply 'd  by  his  refreshing  streams, 
Their  dying  hopes  revive. 

7  Though  in  ourselves  we  have  no  stock, 

The  Lord  is  nigh  to  save  ; 
His  door  flies  open  when  we  knock, 
And  'tis  but  ask  and  have. 

II.   KINGS. 

XXXVII.  Jericho  ,  or,  the  Waters  healed. 
Chap.  ii.  19 — 22. 

1  Though  Jericho  pleasantly  stood, 

And  look'd  like  a  promising  soil, 
The  harvest  produc'd  little  food, 

To  answer  the  husbandman's  toil. 
The  water  some  property  had, 

Which  poisonous  prov'd  to  the  ground ; 
The  springs  were  corrupted  and  bad, 

The  streams  spread  a  barrenness  round. 

2  But  soon  by  the  cruse  and  the  salt, 

Prepar'd  by  Elisha's  command, 
The  water  was  cur'd  of  its  fault, 
And  plenty  enriched  the  land  : 


Hymn  37.  2  Kings.  35 

An  emblem  sure  this  of  the  grace 
On  fruitless  dead  sinners  bestow'd ; 

For  man  is  in  Jericho's  case, 
Till  cur'd  by  the  mercy  of  God. 

3  How  noble  a  creature  he  seems  ; 

What  knowledge,  invention,  and  skill ! 
How  large  and  extensive  his  schemes  I 

How  much  can  he  do  if  he  will  I 
His  zeal  to  be  learned  and  wise 

Will  yield  to  no  limits  or  bars ; 
He  measures  the  earth  and  the  skies, 

And  numbers  and  marshals  the  stars. 

4  Yet  still  he  is  barren  of  good  ; 

In  vain  are  his  talents  and  art ; 
For  sin  has  infected  his  blood, 

And  poison'd  the  streams  of  his  heart : 
Though  cockatrice  eggs  he  can  hatch, 

Or,  spider-like,  cobwebs  can  weave*, 
'Tis  madness  to  labour  and  watch 

For  what  will  destroy  or  deceive. 

5  But  grace,  like  the  salt  in  the  cruse, 

When  cast  in  the  spring  of  the  soul ; 
A  wonderful  change  will  produce, 

Diffusing  new  life  through  the  whole  : 
The  wilderness  blooms  like  a  rose, 

The  heart  which  was  vile  and  abhorr'd, 
Now  fruitful  and  beautiful  grows, 

The  garden  and  joy  of  the  Lord. 

.*  Isa.  lix.  5. 


56  2  Kings.  Book  I. 


XXXVIII.     Kaaman.     Chap.  v.  14. 

1  Before  Elisha's  gate 

The  Syrian  leper  stood ; 
But  could  not  brook  to  wait, 

He  deem'd  himself  too  good : 
He  thought  the  prophet  would  attend, 
And  not  to  him  a  message  send. 

2  Have  I  this  journey  come, 

And  will  he  not  be  seen  ? 
I  were  as  well  at  home, 

Would  washing  make  me  clean  ; 
Why  must  I  wash  in  Jordan's  flood  ? 
Damascus'  rivers  are  as  good. 

3  Thus,  by  his  foolish  pride, 

He  almost  miss'd  a  cure  ; 
Howe'er  at  length  he  try'd, 

And  found  the  method  sure : 
Soon  as  his  pride  was  brought  to  yield, 
The  leprosy  was  quickly  heal'd. 

4  Leprous  and  proud  as  he, 

To  Jesus  thus  I  came, 
From  sin  to  set  me  free, 

When  first  I  heard  his  fame  : 
Surely,  thought  I,  my  pompous  train 
Of  vows  and  tears  will  notice  gain. 

5  My  heart  devis'd  the  way 

Which  I  suppos'd  he'd  take ; 
And  when  I  found  delay, 

Was  ready  to  go  back, 
Had  he  some  painful  task  enjoin  d, 
I  to  performance  seem'd  inclin'd. 


Hymn  39.  2  Kings,  57 

6  When  by  his  word  he  spake, 

"  That  fountain  open'd  see ; 
"  'Twas  open'd  for  thy  sake, 
"  Go  wash,  and  thou  art  free :" 
Oh !  how  did  my  proud  heart  gainsay, 
I  fear'd  to  trust  this  simple  way ! 

7  At  length  I  trial  made, 

When  I  had  much  endur'd ; 
The  message  I  obey'd, — 

I  wash'd,  and  I  was  cured : 
Sinners,  this  healing  fountain  try, 
Which  cleans'd  a  wretch  so  vile  as  I. 


XXXIX.     The  Borrowed  Axe,     Cha^  vi.  5,  6, 

m 

1  The  prophet's  sons,  in  times  of  old, 

Though  to  appearance  poor, 
Were  rich  without  possessing  gold, 
And  honour'd,  though  obscure, 

2  In  peace  their  daily  bread  they  eat, 

By  honest  labour  earn'd  ; 
While  daily  at  Elisha's  feet 

They  grace  and  wisdom  learn 'd. 

3  The  prophet's  presence  cheer'd  their  toil, 

They  watch'd  the  words  he  spoke, 
Whether  they  turn'd  the  furrow'd  soil, 
Or  fell'd  the  spreading  oak. 

4  Once,  as  they  listen'd  to  his  theme, 

Their  conference  was  stopp'd  ; 
For  one  beneath  the  yielding  stream 
A  borrow 'd  axe  had  dropp'd. 


58  2  Kings.  Book  fc 

5  "  Alas !  it  was  not  mine,"  he  said, 

"  How  shall  I  make  it  good  ?" 
Elisha  heard,  and  when  he  pray'd, 
The  iron  swain  like  wood. 

6  If  God,  in  such  a  small  affair, 

A  miracle  performs, 
It  shows  his  condescending  care 
Of  poor  unworthy  worms. 

7  Though  kings  and  nations  in  his  view 

Are  but  as  motes  and  dust, 
His  eye  and  ear  are  fix'd  on  you, 
Who  in  his  mercy  trust. 

8  Not  oi^  concern  of  ours  is  small, 

If  we  belong  to  him ; 
To  teach  us  this,  the  Lord  of  all 
Once  made  the  iron  swim. 

XL.     More  with  tea  than  with  them.     Chap.  vi.   16. 

1  Alas  !  Elisha's  servant  cry *d, 
When  he  the  Syrian  army  spy'd  : 
But  he  was  soon  releas'd  from  care, 
In  answer  to  the  prophet's  pray  r. 

2  Straightway  he  saw,  with  other  eyes, 
A  greater  army  from  the  skies, 

A  fiery  guard  around  the  hill ; 
Thus  are  the  saints  preserved  still. 

3  When  Satan  and  his  host  appear, 
Like  him,  of  old,  I  faint  and  fear ; 
Like  him,  by  faith,  with  joy  I  see, 
A  greater  host  engag'd  for  me. 


Hymn  41.  1  Chronicles.  59 

4  The  saints  espouse  my  cause  by  pray'r, 
The  angels  make  my  soul  their  care ; 
Mine  is  the  promise  seal'd  with  blood, 
And  Jesus  lives  to  make  it  good. 

I.  CHRONICLES. 

XLI.     Faith9*  Review  and  Expectation.     Ch.  xvii. 
16,   17. 

1  Amazing  grace!  (how  sweet  the  sound,) 

That  sav'd  a  wretch  like  me  ! 
I  once  was  lost,  but  now  am  found, 
Was  blind,  but  now  I  see. 

2  'Twas  grace  that  taught  my  heart  to  fear, 

And  grace  my  fears  reliev'd  ; 
How  precious  did  that  grace  app^r 
The  hour  I  first  belie v'd  ! 

3  Through  many  dangers,  toils,  and  snares, 

I  have  already  come ; 
'Tis  grace  has  brought  me  safe  thus  far, 
And  grace  will  lead  me  home. 

4  The  Lord  has  promis'd  good  to  me, 

His  word  my  hope  secures  : 
He  will  my  shield  and  portion  be, 
As  long  as  life  endures. 

5  Yes,  when  this  flesh  and  heart  shall  failt 

And  mortal  life  shall  cease, 
I  shall  possess,  within  the  vail, 
A  life  of  joy  and  peace. 

6  The  earth  shall  soon  dissolve  like  snow, 

The  sun  forbear  to  shine  j 
But  God,  who  call'd  me  here  below, 
Will  be  for  ever  mine. 


60  tfehemiah.  Book  I. 


NEHEMIAH. 

XLII.       The  Joy  of  the  Lord  is  your  Strength. 
Chap.  viii.   10. 

1  Joy  is  a  fruit  that  will  not  grow 

In  nature's  barren  soil ; 
All  we  can  boast,  till  Christ  we  know, 
Is  vanity  and  toil. 

2  But  where  the  Lord  has  planted  grace, 

And  made  his  glories  known, 
There  fruits  of  heav'nly  joy  and  peace 
Are  found,  and  there  alone. 

3  A  bkeding  Saviour  seen  by  faith, 

A  sense  of  pard'ning  love  ; 
A  hope  that  triumphs  over  death, 
Give  joys  like  those  above. 

4  To  take  a  glimpse  within  the  vail, 

To  know  that  God  is  mine, 
Are  springs  of  joy  that  never  fail, 
Unspeakable  !  divine ! 

5  These  are  the  joys  which  satisfy, 

And  sanctify  the  mind  ; 
Which  make  the  spirit  mount  on  high, 
And  leave  the  world  behind. 

6  No  more,  believers,  mourn  your  lot ; 

But  if  you  are  the  Lord's, 
Resign  to  them  that  know  him  not 
Such  joys  as  earth  affords. 


Hymn  43.  Job.  61 

JOB. 

'XLIII.      Oh  that  I  were  as  in  months  past  ! 
Chap.  xxix.  2. 

1  Sweet  was  the  time  when  first  I  felt 

The  Saviour's  pard'ning  blood 
Apply 'd,  to  cleanse  my  soul  from  guilt. 
And  bring  me  home  to  God. 

2  Soon  as  the  morn  the  light  reveal 'd, 

His  praises  tun'd  my  tongue  ; 
And  when  the  ev'ning  shades  prevail 'd. 
His  love  was  all  my  song. 

3  In  vain  the  tempter  spread  his  wiles, 

The  world  no  more  could  charm  ; 
I  liv'd  upon  my  Saviour's  smiles, 
And  lean'd  upon  his  arm. 

4  In  pray'r  my  soul  drew  near  the  Lord, 

And  saw  his  glory  shine ; 
And  when  I  read  his  holy  word, 
I  call'd  each  promise  mine. 

5  Then  to  his  saints  I  often  spoke, 

Of  what  his  love  had  done  ; 
But  now  my  heart  is  almost  broke, 
For  all  my  joys  are  gone. 

6  Now  when  the  ev'ning  shade  prevails, 

My  soul  in  darkness  mourns  ; 
And  when  the  morn  the  light  reveals, 
No  light  to  me  returns. 

7  My  pray'rs  are  now  a  chatt'ring  noise, 

For  Jesus  hides  his  face  ; 
I  read,  the  promise  meets  my  eyes, 
But  will  not  reach  my  case. 
F 


62  Job.  Book  I. 

8  Now  Satan  threatens  to  prevail, 
And  make  my  soul  his  prey  : 
Yet,  Lord,  thy  mercies  cannot  fail, 
O  come  without  delay  ! 

XLIV.      The  Change*. 

1  Saviour,  shine  and  cheer  my  soul, 

Bid  my  dying  hopes  revive  ; 
Make  my  wounded  spirit  whole, 

Far  away  the  tempter  drive  , 
Speak  the  word,  and  set  me  free, 
Let  me  live  alone  to  thee. 

2  Shall  I  sigh  and  pray  in  vain, 

Wilt  thou  still  refuse  to  hear  ? 
Wilt  thou  not  return  again, 

Must  I  yield  to  black  despair  ? 
Thou  hast  taught  my  heart  to  pray, 
Canst  thou  turn  thy  face  away  ? 

3  Once  I  thought  my  mountain  strong, 

Firmly  fix'd  no  more  to  move  ; 
Then  thy  grace  was  all  my  song, 

Then  my  soul  was  filPd  with  love  ; 
Those  were  happy  golden  days, 
Sweetly  spent  in  prayer  and  praise. 

4  When  my  friends  have  said,  "  Beware, 

"  Soon  or  late  you'll  find  a  change," 
I  could  see  no  cause  for  fear, 

Vain  their  caution  seem'd  and  strange  : 
Not  a  cloud  obscur'd  my  sky, 
Could  I  think  a  tempest  nigh  ? 

*  Bood  ii.  Hymn  34.  and  Book  iii.  Hymn  86. 


Hymn  45.  Psalms.  63 

5  Little  then  myself  I  knew, 

Little  thought  of  Satan's  pow'r  : 
Now  I  find  their  words  were  true, 

Now  I  feel  the  stormy  hour ! 
Sin  has  put  my  joys  to  flight, 
Sin  has  chang'd  my  day  to  night. 

6  Satan  asks  and  mocks  my  wo, 

"  Boaster,  where  is  now  your  God?" 
Silence,  Lord,  this  cruel  foe, 

Let  him  know  I'm  bought  with  blood  : 
Tell  him,  since  I  know  thy  name, 
Though  I  change,  thou  art  the  same. 

PSALMS. 

XLV.     Pleading  for  Mercy.     Psalm  vi. 

1  In  mercy,  not  in  wrath,  rebuke 

Thy  feeble  worm,  my  God ! 
My  spirit  dreads  thine  angry  look, 
And  trembles  at  thy  rod. 

2  Have  mercy,  Lord,  for  I  am  weak, 

Regard  my  heavy  groans  ; 
O  let  thy  voice  of  comfort  speak, 
And  heal  my  broken  bones  ! 

3  By  day,  my  busy  beating  head 

Is  fill'd  with  anxious  fears  ; 
By  night,  upon  my  restless  bed, 
I  weep  a  flood  of  tears. 

4  Thus  I  sit  desolate  and  mourn, 

Mine  eyes  grown  dull  with  grief : 
How  long,  my  Lord,  ere  thou  return, 
And  bring  my  soul  relief  ? 


64  Psalm.  Book  I. 

5  O  come  and  show  thy  pow'r  to  save, 
And  spare  my  fainting  breath  ; 
For  who  can  praise  thee  in  the  grave, 
Or  sing  thy  name  in  death  ? 

£  Satan,  my  cruel  envious  foe, 
Insults  me  in  my  pain  ; 
He  smiles  to  see  me  brought  so  low, 
And  tells  me  hope  is  vain. 

7  But  hence,  thou  enemy,  depart, 
Nor  tempt  me  to  despair ; 
My  Saviour  comes  to  cheer  my  heart, 
The  Lord  has  heard  my  pray'r. 

XL VI.     None  upon  Earth  I  desire  beside  thee'. 
Psalm  Ixxiii.  25. 

1  How  tedious  and  tasteless  the  hours, 

When  Jesus  no  longer  I  see ; 
Sweet  prospects,  sweet  birds,and  sweet  flow'r^ 

Have  lost  all  their  sweetness  with  me  ; 
The  midsummer  sun  shines  but  dim, 

The  fields  strive  in  vain  to  look  gay  ; 
But  when  I  am  happy  in  him, 

December's  as  pleasant  as  May. 

2  His  name  yields  the  richest  perfume, 

And  sweeter  than  music  his  voice  ; 
His  presence  disperses  my  gloom, 

And  makes  all  within  me  rejoice  : 
I  should,  were  he  always  thus  nigh, 

Have  nothing  to  wish  or  to  fear  ; 
No  mortal  so  happy  as  I, 

My  summer  would  last  all  the  year. 


Hymn  47.  Psalms.  05 

3  Content  with  beholding  his  face, 

My  all  to  his  pleasure  resign'd, 
No  changes  of  season  or  place, 

Would  make  any  change  in  my  mind  ; 
While  bless'd  with  a  sense  of  his  love, 

A  palace  a  toy  would  appear ; 
And  prisons  would  palaces  prove, 

If  Jesus  would  dwell  with  me  there. 

4  Dear  Lord,  if  indeed  I  am  thine, 

If  thou  art  my  sun  and  my  song ; 
Say,  why  do  I  languish  and  pine, 

And  why  are  my  winters  so  long  ? 
O  drive  these  dark  clouds  from  my  sky, 

Thy  soul-cheering  presence  restore  ; 
Or  take  me  unto  thee  on  high, 

Where  winter  and  clouds  are  no  more. 


XLVII.     The  Believer's    Safety.     Psalm  xci 

1  Incarnate  God  !  the  soul  that  knows 

Thy  name's  mysterious  pow'r, 
Shall  dwell  in  undisturb'd  repose, 
Nor  fear  the  trying  hour. 

2  Thy  wisdom,  faithfulness,  and  love, 

To  feeble  helpless  worms, 
A  buckler  and  a  refuge  prove 
From  enemies  and  storms. 

3  In  vain  the  fowler  spreads  his  net5 

To  draw  them  from  thy  care  ; 
Thy  timely  call  instructs  their  feet 
To  shun  the  artful  snare. 

F  2 


(Hi  Psalms.  Book  I. 

4  When,  like  a  baneful  pestilence, 

Sin  mows  its  thousands  down 
On  ev'ry  side,  without  defence, 
Thy  grace  secures  thine  own. 

5  No  midnight  terrors  haunt  their  bed, 

No  arrow  wounds  by  day  ; 
Unhurt  on  serpents  they  shall  tread, 
If  found  in  duty's  way. 

6  Angels,  unseen,  attend  the  saints, 

And  bear  them  in  their  arms, 
To  cheer  the  spirit  when  it  faints, 
And  guard  the  life  from  harms. 

7  The  angels*  Lord  himself  is  nigh 

To  them  that  love  his  name ; 
Ready  to  save  them  when  they  cry. 
And  put  their  foes  to  shame. 

8  Crosses  and  changes  are  their  lot, 

Long  as  they  sojourn  here  : 
But  since  their  Saviour  changes  not, 
What  have  the  saints  to  fear  ? 


XLVIII.      Another. 

1  That  man  no  guard  or  weapons  needs, 
Whose  heart  the  blood  of  Jesus  knows ; 

But  safe  may  pass,  if  duty  leads, 
Through  burning  sands  or  mountain- snows. 

2  Releas'd  from  guilt,  he  feels  no  fear  ; 

Redemption  is  his  shield  and  tow'r ; 
He  sees  his  Saviour  always  near 
To  help  in  ev'ry  trying  hour. 


Hyinn  49.  Psalms.  67 

3  Though  I  am  weak,  and  Satan  strong, 

And  often  to  assult  me  tries  ; 
When  Jesus  is  my  shield  and  song, 
Abash'd  the  wolf  before  me  flies. 

4  His  love  possessing  I  am  blest, 

Secure  whatever  change  may  come  : 
Whether  I  go  to  east  or  west, 

With  him  I  still  shall  be  at  home. 

5  If  plac'd  beneath  the  northern  pole, 

Though  winter  reigns  with  rigour  there ; 
His  gracious  beams  would  cheer  my  soul, 
And  make  a  spring  throughout  the  year, 

6  Or  if  the  desert's  sun-burnt  soil 

My  lonely  dwelling  e'er  should  prove ; 
His  presence  would  support  my  toil, 

Whose  smile  is  life,  whose  voice  is  love, 


XLIX.     He  led  them  by  a  right  Way.  Ps.  cvii.  <T= 

1  Wh  e  n  Israel  was  from  Egypt  freed, 

The  Lord,  who  brought  them  out, 
Help'd  them  in  ev'ry  time  of  need, 
But  led  them  round  about*. 

2  To  enter  Canaan  soon  they  hop'd  ; 

But  quickly  chang'd  their  mind, 
When  the  Red  Sea  their  passage  stopp'd 
And  Pharaoh  march'd  behind. 

3  The  desert  fill'd  them  with  alarms, 

For  water  and  for  food  ; 
And  Amalek,  by  force  of  arms, 
To  check  their  progress  stood. 

Exod.  xiii.  17. 


08  Psalms,  Book  I. 

4  They  often  murmur 'd  by  the  way, 

Because  they  judg'd  by  sight ; 
But  were  at  length  constrain'd  to  say, 
The  Lord  had  led  them  right. 

5  In  the  Red  Sea,  that  stopp'd  them  first, 

Their  enemies  were  drown'd  ; 
The  rocks  gave  water  for  their  thirst, 
And  Manna  spread  the  ground. 

6  By  fire  and  cloud  their  way  was  shown 

Across  the  pathless  sands  ; 
And  Amalek  was  overthrown 
By  Moses'  lifted  hands. 

7  The  way  was  right  their  hearts  to  prove, 

To  make  God's  glory  known ; 
And  show  his  wisdom,  pow'r,  and  love, 
Engag'd  to  save  his  own. 

8  Just  so  the  true  believer's  path 

Through  many  dangers  lies  ; 
Though  dark  to  sense,  'tis  right  to  faith, 
And  leads  us  to  the  skies. 

L.      What  shall  I  render*?     Ps.  cxvi.  12,  13. 

1  For  mercies,  countless  as  the  sands, 

Which  daily  I  receive 
From  Jesus  my  Redeemer's  hands, 
My  soul,  what  canst  thou  give  ?     , 

2  Alas  !  from  such  a  heart  as  mine, 

What  can  I  bring  him  forth  ? 
My  best  is  stain 'd  and  dy'd  with  sin, 
My  all  is  nothing  worth. 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  67. 


Hymn  51.  Psalms.  69 

3  Yet  this  acknowledgment  I'll  make 

For  all  he  has  bestow'd, 
Salvation's  sacred  cup  I'll  take, 
And  call  upon  my  God. 

4  The  best  returns  for  one  like  me, 

So  wretched  and  so  poor, 
Is  from  his  gifts  to  draw  a  plea, 
And  ask  him  still  for  more. 

3  I  cannot  serve  him  as  I  ought, 
No  works  have  I  to  boast ; 
Yet  would  I  glory  in  the  thought 
That  I  shall  owe  him  most. 


LI.     Dwelling  in  Mesech.     Psalm  cxx.  5 — »7. 

1  Wh  a  t  a  mournful  life  is  mine, 

Fili'd  with  crosses,  pains,  and  cares ! 
Ev'ry  work  defil'd  with  sin, 
Ev'ry  step  beset  with  snares ! 

2  If  alone  I  pensive  sit, 

I  myself  can  hardly  bear ; 
If  I  pass  along  the  street, 
Sin  and  riot  triumph  there. 

3  Jesus !  how  my  heart  is  pain'd, 

How  it  mourns  for  souls  deceiv'd, 
When  I  hear  thy  name  profan'd, 
When  I  see  thy  Spirit  griev'd ! 

4  When  thy  children's  griefs  I  view, 

Their  distress  becomes  my  own ; 
All  I  hear,  or  see,  or  do, 

Makes  me  tremble,  weep,  and  groan, 


70  Proverbs.  Book  I, 

5  Mourning  thus  I  long  had  been, 

When  I  heard  my  Saviour's  voice ; 
"  Thou  hast  cause  to  mourn  for  sin, 
"  But  in  me  thou  mayst  rejoice." 

6  This  kind  word  dispell'd  my  grief, 

Put  to  silence  my  complaints  ; 
Though  of  sinners  I  am  chief, 
He  has  rank'd  me  with  his  saints. 

7  Though  constraint  to  dwell  a  while 

Where  the  wicked  strive  and  brawl ; 
Let  them  frown,  so  he  but  smile, 
Heav'n  will  make  amends  for  all. 

8  There,  believers,  we  shall  rest, 

Free  from  sorrow,  sin  and  fears  ; 
Nothing  there  our  peace  molest, 
Through  eternal  rounds  of  years. 

9  Let  us  then  the  fight  endure, 

See  our  Captain  looking  down  ; 
He  will  make  the  conquest  sure, 
And  bestow  the  promis'd  crown. 

PROVERBS. 

LII.     C.      Wisdom.      Chap.  viii.  22—31. 

1  Ere  God  had  built  the  mountains, 

Or  rais'd  the  fruitful  hills  ; 
Before  he  fiTi'd  the  fountains 

That  feed  the  running  rills ; 
In  me,  from  everlasting, 

The  wonderful  I  am, 
Found  pleasures  never  wasting, 

And  Wisdom  is  my  name. 


Hymn  58.  Proverbs.  71 

2  When,  like  a  tent  to  dwell  in, 

He  spread  the  skies  abroad, 
And  swath'd  about  the  swelling 

Of  ocean's  mighty  flood  ; 
He  wrought  by  weight  and  measure, 

And  I  was  with  him  then  ; 
Myself  the  Father's  pleasure, 

And  mine,  the  sons  of  men. 

3  Thus  wisdom's  words  discover 

Thy  glory  and  thy  grace, 
Thou  everlasting  lover 

Of  our  unworthy  race  ! 
Thy  gracious  eye  survey 'd  us 

Ere  stars  were  seen  above  ; 
In  wisdom  thou  hast  made  us, 

And  died  for  us  in  love. 

4  And  couldst  thou  be  delighted 

With  creatures  such  as  we, 
Who,  when  we  saw  thee,  slighted, 

And  nail'd  thee  to  the  tree  ? 
Unfathomable  wonder, 

And  mystery  divine  ! 
The  voice  that  speaks  in  thunder, 

Says,  "  Sinner,  I  am  thine  !" 

LIII.     A  Friend  that  sticketh  closer  than  a  brother. 
Chap,  xviii.  24. 

1  One  there  is,  above  all  others, 

Well  deserves  the  name  of  Friend  ; 
His  is  love  beyond  a  brother's, 
Costly,  free,  and  knows  no  end  : 
They  who  once  his  kindness  prove 
Find  it  everlasting  love  ! 


72  Proverbs.  Book  I. 

2  Which  of  all  our  friends  to  save  us, 

Could  or  would  have  shed  their  blood  I 
But  our  Jesus  died  to  have  us. 
Reconcird  in  him  to  God : 

This  was  boundless  love  indeed ! 

Jesus  is  a  Friend  in  need. 

3  Men,  when  rais'd  to  lofty  stations, 

Often  know  their  friends  no  more  ; 
Slight  and  scorn  their  poor  relations, 

Though  they  valu'd  them  before  : 
But  our  Saviour  always  owns 
Those  whom  he  redeem'd  with  groans. 

4  When  he  liv'd  on  earth  abased, 

Friend  of  sinners  was  his  name, 
Now,  above  all  glory  raised, 

He  rejoices  in  the  same  : 

Still  he  calls  them  brethren,  friends, 
And  to  all  their  wants  attends. 

5  Could  we  bear  from  one  another 

What  he  daily  bears  from  us  ? 
Yet  this  glorious  Friend  and  Brother 
Loves  us,  though  we  treat  him  thus  : 
Though  for  good  we  render  ill, 
He  accounts  us  brethren  still. 

6  Oh !  for  grace  our  hearts  to  soften ! 

Teach  us,  Lord,  at  length  to  love  ; 
We,  alas  !  forget  too  often 

What  a  Friend  we  have  above : 

But  when  home  our  souls  are  brought, 
We  will  love  thee  as  we  ought. 


Hymn  54.  Ecclesiastes.  7S 

ECCLESIASTES. 

LIV.      Vanity  of  Life*.     Chap.  i.  2, 

1  The  evils  that  beset  our  path 

Who  can  prevent  or  cure  ? 
We  stand  upon  the  brink  of  death 
When  most  we  seem  secure. 

2  If  we  to-day  sweet  peace  possess, 

It  soon  may  be  withdrawn  ; 
Some  change  may  plunge  us  in  distress. 
Before  to-morrow's  dawn. 

3  Disease  and  pain  invade  our  health, 

And  find  an  easy  prey  ; 
And  oft,  when  least  expected,  wealth 
Takes  wings,  and  flies  away. 

4  A  fever  or  a  blow  can  shake 

Our  wisdom's  boasted  rule, 
And  of  the  brightest  genius  make 
A  madman  or  a  fool. 

5  The  gourds,  from  which  we  look  for  fruit, 

Produce  us  only  pain  ; 
A  worm  unseen  attacks  the  root, 
And  all  our  hopes  are  vain. 

6  I  pity  those  who  seek  no  more 

Than  such  a  world  can  give  ; 
Wretched  they  are,  and  blind,  and  poor, 
And  dying  while  they  live. 

7  Since  sin  has  fill'd  the  earth  with  wo, 

And  creatures  fade  and  die  -T 
Lord,  wean  our  hearts  from  things  below, 
And  fix  our  hopes  on  high. 

*  Book  ii.     Hyma  &. 
G 


7*4  Ecclesiastes,  Book  I. 

LV.  C.      Vanity  of  the  World. 

1  Go  d  gives  his  mercies  to  be  spent ; 

Your  hoard  will  do  your  soul  no  good  ; 
Gold  is  a  blessing  only  lent, 
Repaid  by  giving  others  food. 

2  The  world's  esteem  is  but  a  bribe, 

To  buy  their  peace  you  sell  your  own  ; 
The  slave  of  a  vain-glorious  tribe, 
Who  hate  you  while  they  make  you  known, 

3  The  joy  that  vain  amusements  give, 

O  !  sad  conclusion  that  it  brings  ! 
The  honey  of  a  crowded  hive, 
Defended  by  a  thousand  stings. 

4  'Tis  thus  the  world  rewards  the  fools 

That  live  upon  her  treach'rous  smiles ; 
She  leads  them  blindfold  by  her  rules, 
And  ruins  all  whom  she  beguiles. 

6  God  knows  the  thousands  who  go  down 
From  pleasure  into  endless  wo  ; 
And  with  a  long  despairing  groan 
Blaspheme  their  Maker  as  they  go. 

6  O  fearful  thought !  be  timely  wise ; 
Delight  but  in  a  Saviour's  charms, 
And  God  shall  take  you  to  the  skies, 
Embrac'd  in  everlasting  arms. 

LVI.      Vanity  of  the  Creature  sanctified* 

1  Honey  though  the  bee  prepares, 
An  envenom'd  sting  he  wears  ; 
Piercing  thorns  a  guard  compose 
Round  the  fragrant,  blooming  rose* 


Hymn  56.  Ecclesiastes.  75 

2  Where  we  think  to  find  a  sweet, 
Oft  a  painful  sting  we  meet : 
When  the  rose  invites  our  eye, 
We  forget  the  thorn  is  nigh. 

3  Why  are  thus  our  hopes  beguil'd  ? 
Why  are  all  our  pleasures  spoil'd  ? 
Why  do  agony  and  wo 

From  our  choicest  comforts  grow  ? 

4  Sin  has  been  the  cause  of  all ! 
'Twas  not  thus  before  the  fall : 
What  but  pain  and  thorn,  and  sting, 
From  the  root  of  sin  can  spring  ? 

5  Now  with  ev'ry  good  we  find 
Vanity  and  grief  entwin'd ; 
What  we  feel,  or  what  we  fear, 
All  our  joys  embitter  here. 

6  Yet,  through  the  Redeemer's  love, 
These  afflictions  blessings  prove  ; 
He  the  wounding  stings  and  thorns 
Into  healing  med'cines  turns, 

7  From  the  earth  our  hearts  they  wean, 
Teach  us  on  his  arm  to  lean  ; 
Urge  us  to  a  throne  of  grace, 
Make  us  seek  a  resting  place. 

8  In  the  mansions  of  our  King 
Sweets  abound  without  a  sting ; 
Thornless  there  the  roses  blow, 
And  the  joys  unmingled  flow. 


76  Solomon's  Song.  Book  I, 

SOLOMON'S  SONG. 

LVII.      The  name  of  Jesus.     Chap.  i.  5. 

1  How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds 

In  a  believer's  ear  ! 
It  sooths  his  sorrows,  heals  his  wounds, 
And  drives  away  his  fear. 

2  It  makes  the  wounded  spirit  whole, 

And  calms  the  troubled  breast ; 
'Tis  Manna  to  the  hungry  soul, 
And  to  the  weary  rest. 

8  Dear  name  !  the  rock  on  which  I  build,, 
My  shield  and  hiding-place  ; 
My  never-failing  treas'ry  fill'd 
With  boundless  stores  of  grace. 

4  By  thee  my  pray'rs  acceptance  gain, 

Although  with  sin  defiTd ; 
Satan  accuses  me  in  vain, 
And  I  am  own'd  a  child. 

5  Jesus*  my  Shepherd,  Husband,  Friend* 

My  Prophet,  Priest,  and  King ; 
My  Lord,  my  Life,  my  Way,  my  End, 
Accept  the  praise  I  bring. 

6  Weak  is  the  effort  of  my  heart, 
And  cold  my  warmest  thought ; 

But  when  I  see  thee  as  thou  art, 
I'll  praise  thee  as  I  ought. 

7  'Till  then  I  would  thy  love  proclaim 
With  ev'ry  fleeting  breath  ; 
And  may  the  music  of  thy  name 
Refresh  my  soul  in  death. 


Hymn  59,  Isaiah.  17 

ISAIAH. 

LVIII.     C.     0  Lord,  I  will  jiraise  thee.   Chap.  xii. 

1  I  will  praise  thee  ev'ry  day, 
Now  thine  anger's  turn'd  away  ! 
Comfortable  thoughts  arise 
From  the  bleeding  sacrifice. 

2  Here,  in  the  fair  Gospel-field, 
Wells  of  free  salvation  yield 
Streams  of  life,  a  plenteous  store, 
And  my  soul  shall  thirst  no  more* 

3  Jesus  is  become  at  length 

My  salvation  and  my  strength  ; 
And  his  praises  shall  prolong, 
While  I  live,  my  pleasant  song. 

4  Praise  ye  then  his  glorious  name, 
Publish  his  exalted  fame  ! 

Still  his  worth  your  praise  exceeds, 
Excellent  are  all  his  deeds. 

5  Raise  again  the  joyful  sound, 
Let  the  nations  roll  it  round ! 

Zion  shout,  for  this  is  he,  • 

God  the  Saviour  dwells  in  thee ! 

LIX.      The  Refuge,  River ',  and  Rock  of  the  Church, 
Chap,  xxxii.  2. 

1  He  who  on  earth  as  man  was  known, 

And  bore  our  sins  and  pains  ; 
Now  seated  on  th'  eternal  throne, 
The  God  of  glory  reigns. 

2  His  hands  the  wheels  of  nature  guide 

With  an  unerring  skill  j 
And  countless  worlds,  extended  wide, 
Obey  his  so v 'reign  will. 

G  2 


7S  Isaiah.  Book  I. 

3  While  harps  unnumber'd  sound  his  praise, 

In  yonder  world  above  ; 

ml 

His  saints  on  earth  admire  his  ways, 
And  glory  in  his  love. 

4  His  righteousness,  to  faith  reveal'd, 

Wrought  out  for  guilty  worms, 
Affords  a  hiding-place  and  shield 
From  enemies  and  storms, 

5  This  land,  through  which  his  pilgrims  go, 

Is  desolate  and  dry  ; 
But  streams  of  grace  from  him  o'erflow, 
Their  thirst  to  satisfy. 

6  When  troubles,  like  a  burning  sun, 

Beat  heavy  on  their  head, 
To  this  almighty  Rock  they  run, 
And  find  a  pleasing  shade. 

7  How  glorious  he  !  how  happy  they 

In  such  a  glorious  Friend  ! 
Whose  love  secures  them  all  the  way, 
And  crowns  them  at  the  end. 

LX.  Zion,  or  the  City  of  God*.  Chap,  xxxiii.  20,  21. 

1  Glorious  things  of  thee  are  spokenf, 

Zion,  city  of  our  God  ! 
He,  whose  word  cannot  be  broken, 

Form'd  thee  for  his  own  abode  J:  . 
On  the  rock  of  ages  founded^, 

What  can  shake  thy  sure  repose ; 
With  salvation's  walls  surrounded||, 

Thou  mayst  smile  at  all  thy  foes. 

*  Book  ii.  Hymn  24.  f  Ps.  lxxxvii.  3.  J  Ps.  exxxii.  14- 
5  Matth.  xvi.  18.  ||  Isa.  xxvi.  1. 


Hymn  60.  Isaiah.  ?9 

2  See  the  streams  of  living  waters 

Springing  from  eternal  love*, 
Well  supply  thy  sons  and  daughters , 

And  all  fear  of  want  remove  : 
Who  can  faint  while  such  a  river 

Ever  flows  their  thirst  t'  assuage  ? 
Grace,  which  like  the  Lord,  the  giver,. 

Never  fails  from  age  to  age. 

3  Round  each  habitation  ho v 'ring, 

See  the  cloud  and  fire  appearfl 
For  a  glory  and  a  cov'ring, 

Showing  that  the  Lord  is  near ; 
Thus  deriving  from  their  banner 

Light  by  night  and  shade  by  day  ; 
Safe  they  feed  upon  the  Manna 

Which  he  gives  them  when  they  pray. 

4  Blest  inhabitants  of  Zion, 

Wash'd  in  the  Redeemer's  blood  ! 
Jesus,  whom  their  souls  rely  on, 

Makes  them  kings  and  priests  to  God|: 
'Tis  his  love  his  people  raises 

Over  self  to  reign  as  kings, 
And  as  priests,  his  solemn  praises 

Each  for  a  thank-off'ring  brings. 

3  Saviour,  if  of  Zion's  city 

I,  through  grace,  a  member  am  ; 
Let  the  world  deride  or  pity, 

I  will  glory  in  thy  name  : 
Fading  is  the  worldling's  pleasure, 

All  his  boasted  pomp  and  show ; 
Solid  joys  and  lasting  treasure, 

None  but  Zion's  children  know. 

*  Psalm  xlvi.  4.        f  Isa.  iv.  5,  6.       \  Rev.  i.  6, 


80  Isaiah.  Book  I» 

LXI.  Look  unto  me,  and  be  ye  saved.  Chap.  xlv.  22. 

1  As  the  serpent  rais'd  by  Moses* 

Heal'd  the  burning  serpent's  bite ; 
Jesus  thus  himself  discloses 

To  the  wounded  sinner's  sight : 
Hear  his  gracious  invitation, 

"  I  have  life  and  peace  to  give, 
"  I  have  wrought  out  full  salvation, 

"  Sinner,  look  to  me  and  live. 

2  "  Pore  upon  your  sins  no  longer, 

"  Well  I  know  their  mighty  guilt ; 
"  But  my  love  than  death  is  stronger, 

"  I  my  blood  have  freely  spilt : 
"  Though  your  he  art  has  long  been  harden'd, 

"  Look  on  me — it  soft  shall  grow ; 
"  Past  transgressions  shall  be  pardon'd, 

"  And  I'll  wash  you  white  as  snow. 

3  "  I  have  seen  what  you  were  doing, 

"  Though  you  little  thought  of  me  ; 
"  You  were  madly  bent  on  ruin, 

"  But,  I  said — It  shall  not  be  : 
"  You  had  been  for  ever  wretched, 

"  Had  I  not  espous'd  your  part ; 
"  Now  behold  my  arms  outstretched 

"  To  receive  you  to  my  heart. 

4  "  Well  may  shame,  and  joy,  and  wonder, 

"  All  your  inward  passions  move  ; 
"  I  could  crush  thee  with  my  thunder, 
"  But  I  speak  to  thee  in  love  : 

*  Numb.  xxi.  9. 


IJymn  62.  Isaiafi.  81 

"  See  !  your  sins  are  all  forgiv'n, 
"  I  have  paid  the  countless  sum  I 

"  Now  my  death  has  open'd  heaven, 
"  Thither  you  shall  shortly  come."' 

5  Dearest  Saviour,  we  adore  thee 

For  thy  precious  life  and  death  ; 
Melt  each  stubborn  heart  before  thee, 

Give  us  all  the  eye  of  faith  : 
From  the  law's  condemning  sentence. 

To  thy  mercy  we  appeal ; 
Thou  alone  canst  give  repentance, 

Thou  alone  our  souls  canst  heal. 


LXlI.     The  good  Physician. 

How  lost  was  my  condition, 

Till  Jesus  made  me  whole  ! 
There  is  but  one  Physician 

Can  cure  a  sin-sick  soul ! 
Kext  door  to  death  he  found  me, 

And  snatch'd  me  from  the  grave. 
To  tell  to  all  around  me, 

His  wond'rous  power  to  save. 

The  worst  of  all  diseases 

Is  light,  compared  with  sin  ; 
On  ev'ry  part  it  seizes, 

But  rages  most  within  : 
'Tis  palsy,  plague,  and  fever, 

And  madness — all  combin'd ; 
And  none  but  a  believer 

The  least  relief  can  find. 


82  Isaiah.  Book  I. 

3  From  men  great  skill  professing 

I  thought  a  cure  to  gain  ; 
But  this  prov'd  more  distressing, 

And  added  to  my  pain  : 
Some  said  that  nothing  ail'd  me, 

Some  gave  me  up  for  lost ; 
Thus  ev'ry  refuge  fail'd  me, 

And  all  my  hopes  were  cross'd, 

4  At  length  this  great  Physician, 

How  matchless  is  his  grace ! 
Accepted  my  petition, 

And  undertook  my  case  : 
First  gave  me  sight  to  view  him, 

For  sin  my  eyes  had  seal'd ; 
Then  bid  me  look  unto  him ; 

I  look'd,  and  I  was  heal'd. 

6  A  dying,  risen  Jesus, 

Seen  by  the  eye  of  faith, 
At  once  from  danger  frees  us, 

And  saves  the  soul  from  death : 
Come  then  to  this  Physician, 

His  help  he'll  freely  give, 
He  makes  no  hard  condition, 

'Tis  only — look  and  live. 


LXIII.      To  the  Jfflicted,  tossed  with  temfiests,  and 
not  comforted.     Chap.  liv.  5 — 11. 

1  Pensive,  doubting,  fearful  heart, 
Hear  what  Christ  the  Saviour  says  ; 
Ev'ry  word  should  joy  impart, 
Change  thy  mourning  into  praise  : 


Hymn  G3.  Isaiah.  33 

Yes,  he  speaks,  and  speaks  to  thee, 

May  he  help  thee  to  believe  ! 
Then  thou  presently  wilt  see, 

Thou  hast  little  cause  to  grieve. 

■2  "  Fear  thou  not,  nor  be  asham'd, 

"  All  thy  sorrows  soon  shall  end  : 
"  I  who  heav'n  and  earth  have  fram'd 

"  Am  thy  husband  and  thy  friend : 
"  I  the  High  and  Holy  One, 

"  Israel's  God,  by  all  ador'd, 
"  As  thy  Saviour  will  be  known, 

"  Thy  Redeemer  and  thy  Lord. 

3  "  For  a  moment  I  withdrew, 

"  And  thy  heart  was  MM  with  pain ; 
"  But  my  mercies  I'll  renew, 

"  Thou  shalt  soon  rejoice  again  : 
"  Though  I  seem  to  hide  my  face, 

"  Very  soon  my  wrath  shall  cease ; 
"  'Tis  but  for  a  moment's  space, 

"  Ending  in  eternal  peace. 

4  "  When  my  peaceful  bow  appears*, 

"  Painted  on  the  wat'ry  cloud ; 
"  'Tis  to  dissipate  thy  fears, 

"  Lest  the  earth  should  be  o'erflow'd : 
"  'Tis  an  emblem  too  of  grace, 

"  Of  my  cov'nant  love  a  sign  : 
"  Though  the  mountains  leave  their  plac£, 

"  Thou  shalt  be  for  ever  mine. 

5  "  Though  afflicted,  tempest  toss'd, 
"  Comfortless  awhile  thou  art, 
"  Do  not  think  thou  canst  be  lost, 
"  Thou  art  graven  on  my  heart : 

*  Gen.  ix.  13,   14. 


S4  Isaiah.  Book  I, 

"  All  thy  wastes  I  will  repair, 
"  Thou  shalt  be  rebuilt  anew ; 

-"  And  in  thee  it  shall  appear 
"  What  a  God  of  love  can  do." 


LXIV.     C.     The  Contrite  Heart.     Chap.  lvii.   15. 

1  The  Lord  will  happiness  divine 

Oa  contrite  hearts  bestow  ; 
Then  tell  me,  gracious  God,  is  mine 
A  contrite  heart  or  no  ? 

2  I  hear,  but  seem  to  hear  in  vain, 

Insensible  as  steel ; 
If  aught/:is  felt,  'tis  only  pain, 
To  find  I  cannot  feel. 

3  I  sometimes  think  myself  inclin'd 

To  love  thee  if  I  could ; 
But  often  feel  another  mind, 
Averse  to  all  that's  good. 

4  My  best  desires  are  faint  and  few, 

I  fain  would  strive  for  more  ; 
But  when  I  cry,  "  My  strength  renew," 
Seem  weaker  than  before. 

5  Thy  saints  are  comforted,  I  know, 

And  love  thy  house  of  pray  'r  ; 
I  therefore  go  where  others  go, 
But  find  no  comfort  there. 

6  O  make  this  heart  rejoice  or  ache  ; 

Decide  this  doubt  for  me  ; 
And  if  it  be  not  broken,  break,. 
And  heal  it,  if  it  be. 


Hymn  65.  Isaiah.  85 

LXV.  C.  The  future  Peace  and  Glory  of  the  Church, 
Chap.  lx.  15—20. 

1  Hear  what  God  the  Lord  hath  spoken, 

"  O  my  people,  faint  and  few, 
H  Comfortless,  afflicted,  broken, 

"  Fair  abodes  I  build  for  you ; 
"  Themes  of  heart-felt  tribulation 

"  Shall  no  more  perplex  your  ways ; 
"  You  shall  name  your  walls,  Salvation, 

"  And  your  gates  shall  all  be  praise. 

2  "  There,  like  streams  that  feed  the  garden, 

"  Pleasures  without  end  shall  flow ; 
"  For  the  Lord,  your  faith  rewarding, 

"  All  his  bounty  shall  bestow  : 
"  Still  in  undisturb'd  possession, 

"  Peace  and  righteousness  shall  reign  ; 
"  Never  shall  you  feel  oppression, 

"  Hear  the  voice  of  war  again. 

3  "  Ye  no  more  your  suns  descending, 

"  Waning  moons  no  more  shall  see ; 
"  But,  your  griefs  for  ever  ending, 

"  Find  eternal  noon  in  me  ; 
"  God  shall  rise,  and  shining  o'er  you, 

"  Change  to  day  the  gloom  of  night : 
"  He,  the  Lord,  shall  be  your  glory, 

"  God  your  everlasting  light." 


H 


86  Jeremiah.  Book  L 

JEREMIAH. 

LXVI.    Trust  of  the  Wicked  and  the  Righteous  com- 
pared.    Chap.  xvii.  5 — 8. 

1  As  parched  in  the  barren  sands, 

Beneath  a  burning  sky, 
The  worthless  bramble  with'ring  stands, 
And  only  grows  to  die. 

2  Such  is  the  sinner's  awful  case, 

Who  makes  the  world  his  trust, 
And  dares  his  confidence  to  place 
In  vanity  and  dust. 

3  A  secret  curse  destroys  his  root, 

And  dries  his  moisture  up  ; 
He  lives  a  while,  but  bears  no  fruit, 
Then  dies  without  a  hope. 

4  But  happy  he  whose  hopes  depend 

Upon  the  Lord  alone ; 
The  soul  that  trusts  in  such  a  Friend, 
Can  ne'er  be  overthrown. 

5  Tho'  gourds  should  wither,  cisterns  break, 

And  creature-comforts  die, 
No  change  his  solid  hope  can  shake, 
Or  stop  his  sure  supply. 

6  So  thrives  and  blooms  the  tree  whose  roots 

By  constant  streams  are  fed  ; 
Array'd  in  green,  and  rich  in  fruits, 
It  rears  its  branching  head. 

7  It  thrives  though  rain  should  be  deny'd, 

And  drought  around  prevail ; 
'Tis  planted  by  a  river  side, 
Whose  waters  cannot  fail. 


Hymn  68.  Jeremiah.  87 

LXVII.  C.  Jehovah  our  Righteousness,  Chap,  xxiii.  6. 

1  My  God,  how  perfect  are  thy  ways  ! 

But  mine  polluted  are  ; 
Sin  twines  itself  about  my  praise. 
And  slides  into  my  prayer. 

2  When  I  would  speak  what  thou  hast  done 

To  save  me  from  my  sin, 
I  cannot  make  thy  mercies  known 
But  self-applause  creeps  in. 

3  Divine  desire,  that  holy  flame 

Thy  grace  creates  in  me  ; 

Alas  !  impatience  is  its  name, 

When  it  returns  to  thee. 

4  This  heart,  a  fountain  of  vile  thoughts, 

How  does  it  overflow ! 
While  self  upon  the  surface  floats, 
Still  bubbling  from  below. 

3  Let  others  in  the  gaudy  dress 
Of  fancied  merit  shine, 
The  Lord  shall  be  my  righteousness, 
The  Lord  for  ever  mine. 

LXVIII.  C.  Ephraim  repenting.  Chap,  xxxi.18 — $6. 

1  My  God,  till  I  receiv'd  thy  stroke, 

How  like  a  beast  was  I ! 
So  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke, 
So  backward  to  comply. 

2  With  grief  my  just  reproach  I  bear, 

Shame  fills  me  at  the  thought ; 
How  frequent  my  rebellions  were  ! 
What  wickedness  I  wrought ! 


88  Lamentations.  Book  I. 

3  Thy  merciful  restraint  I  scorn'd, 

And  left  the  pleasant  road ; 
Yet  turn  me,  and  I  shall  be  turn'd, 
Thou  art  the  Lord  my  God. 

4  "  Is  Ephraim  banish'd  from  my  thoughts, 

"  Or  vile  in  my  esteem  ? 
"  No,"  saith  the  Lord,  "  with  all  his  faults 
"  I  still  remember  him. 

5  "  Is  he  a  dear  and  pleasant  child  ? 

"  Yes,  dear  and  pleasant  still ; 
"  Though  sin  his  foolish  heart  beguiPd 
"  And  he  withstood  my  will. 

6  "  My  sharp  rebuke  has  laid  him  low, 

"  He  seeks  my  face  again  ; 
"  My  pity  kindles  at  his  wo, 
"  He  shall  not  seek  in  vain." 

LAMENTATIONS. 

LXIX.     The  Lord  is  my  fiortion.     Chap.  iii.  24. 

1  From  pole  to  pole  let  others  roam, 

And  search  in  vain  for  bliss  ; 
My  soul  is  satisfied  at  home, 
The  Lord  my  portion  is. 

2  Jesus,  who  on  his  glorious  throne 

Rules  heav'n,  and  earth,  and  sea, 
Is  pleas'd  to  claim  me  for  his  own,  • 
And  give  himself  to  me. 

3  His  person  fixes  all  my  love, 

His  blood  removes  my  fear  ; 
And  while  he  pleads  for  me  above. 
His  arm  preserves  me  here. 


Hymn  70.  Mzekicl.  89 

4  His  word  of  promise  is  my  food, 

His  Spirit  is  my  guide  ; 
Thus  daily  is  my  strength  renewed, 
And  all  my  wants  supply  'd*. 

5  For  him  I  count  as  gain  each  loss, 

Disgrace,  for  him,  renown ; 
Well  may  I  glory  in  his  cross, 
While  he  prepares  my  crown  ! 

6  Let  worldlings  then  indulge  their  boast, 

How  much  they  gain  or  spend  ; 
Their  joys  must  soon  give  up  the  ghost, 
But  mine  shall  know  no  end. 

EZEKIEL. 

LXX.  Humbled  and  silenced  by  Mercy.  Chap.  xvi.  63. 

1  On  c  e  perishing  in  blood  I  lay, 

Creatures  no  help  could  give  ; 
But  Jesus  pass'd  me  in  the  way> 
He  saw,  and  bid  me  live. 

2  Though  Satan  still  his  rule  maintain'd, 

And  all  his  arts  employ  *d  ; 
That  mighty  word  his  rage  restrain^ 
I  could  not  be  destroy  'dB 

3  At  length  the  time  of  love  arriv'd 

When  I  my  Lord  should  know ; 
Then  Satan,  of  his  pow'r  depriv'd, 
Was  forc'd  to  let  me  go. 

4  O  can  I  e'er  that  day  forget, 

When  Jesus  kindly  spoke  ! 
"  Poor  soul,  my  blood  has  paid  thy  debt, 
"  And  now  I  break  thy  yoke. 

*  Book.  iii.  Hymn  59, 
II  2 


90  LzekicL  Book  I, 

5  "  Henceforth  I  take  thee  for  my  own, 

"  And  give  myself  to  thee  ; 
"  Forsake  the  idols  thou  hast  known, 
"  And  yield  thyself  to  me." 

6  Ah,  worthless  heart  !  it  promis'd  fair, 

And  said  it  would  be  thine  ; 
I  little  thought  it  e'er  would  dare 
Again  with  idols  join. 

7  Lord,  dost  thou  such  backslidings  heal, 

And  pardon  all  that's  past  ? 
Sure,  if  I  am  not  made  of  steel, 
Thou  hast  prevail'd  at  last. 

8  My  tongue,  which  rashly  spoke  before, 

This  mercy  will  restrain  : 
Surely  I  now  shall  boast  no  more, 
Nor  censure,  nor  complain. 


LXXI.     C.     The  Covenant.     Chap,  xxxvi.  25 — 28. 

1  The  Lord  proclaims  his  grace  abroad  ! 

Behold,  I  change  your  hearts  of  stone ; 
Each  shall  renounce  his  idol-god, 

And  serve,  henceforth,  the  Lord  alone* 

2  My  grace,  a  flowing  stream,  proceeds 

To  wash  your  filthiness  away ; 

Ye  shall  abhor  your  former  deeds,  - 

And  learn  my  statutes  to  obey. 

3  My  truth  the  great  design  ensures, 

I  give  myself  away  to  you  ; 
You  shall  be  mine,  I  will  be  yours, 
Your  God  unalterably  true. 


Hymn  72.  Ezekicl.  91 

4  Yet  not  unsought  or  unimplor'd, 

The  plenteous  grace  shall  I  confer*  ; 
No — your  whole  hearts  shall  seek  the  Lord, 
I'll  put  a  praying  spirit  there* 

5  From  the  first  breath  of  life  divine, 

Down  to  the  last  expiring  hour, 

The  gracious  work  shall  all  be  mine, 

Begun  and  ended  in  my  power. 

LXXII.     C.     Jehovah- Shammah.     Chap,  xlviii.  35. 

1  As  birds  their  infant  brood  protectf, 

And  spread  their  wings  to  shelter  them, 
Thus  saith  the  Lord  to  his  elect, 
"  So  will  I  guard  Jerusalem." 

2  And  what  then  is  Jerusalem, 

This  darling  object  of  his  care  ? 
Where  is  its  worth  in  God's  esteem  ? 
Who  built  it  ?  who  inhabits  there  ? 

3  Jehovah  founded  it  in  blood, 

The  blood  of  his  incarnate  Son ; 
There  dwell  the  saints,  once  foes  to  God, 
The  sinners  whom  he  calls  his  own. 

4  There,  though  besieg'd  on  ev'ry  side, 

Yet  much  belov'd  and  guarded  well, 
From  age  to  age  they  have  defy'd 
The  utmost  force  of  earth  and  hell. 

5  Let  earth  repent,  and  hell  despair, 

This  city  has  a  sure  defence ; 
Her  name  is  call'd,  The  Lord  is  there, 
And  who  has  pow'r  to  drive  him  thence  ? 

*  Ver  37.  f  Isaiah  xxxi.  5. 


92  Daniel.  Book  I. 

DANIEL. 

LXXIII.      The  Power  and   Triumfih  of  Faith. 
Chap.  iii.  6. 

1  Supported  by  the  word, 
Though  in  himself  a  worm, 
The  servant  of  the  Lord 
Can  wond'rous  acts  perform  : 

Without  dismay  he  boldly  treads 
Where'er  the  path  of  duty  leads. 

2  The  haughty  king  in  vain, 
With  fury  on  his  brow, 
Believers  would  constrain 
To  golden  gods  to  bow  : 

The  furnace  could  not  make  them  fear, 
Because  they  knew  the  Lord  was  near. 

3  As  vain  was  the  decree 

Which  charg'd  them  not  to  pray ; 

Daniel  still  bow'd  his  knee, 

And  worshipp'd  thrice  a  day. 
Trusting  in  God,  he  fear'd  not  men, 
Though  threaten'd  with  the  lion's  den. 

4  Secure  they  might  refuse 
Compliance  with  such  laws ; 
For  what  had  they  to  lose. 
When  God  espous'd  their  cause  ? 

He  made  the  hungry  lions  crouch  ; 
Nor  durst  the  fire  his  children  touch. 

5  The  Lord  is  still  the  same, 
A  mighty  shield  and  tow'r, 
And  they  who  trust  his  name 
Are  guarded  by  his  pow'r ; 

He  can  the  rage  of  lions  tame, 

And  bear  them  harmless  through  the  flame. 


Hymn  74.  Daniel.  93 

6  Yet  we  too  often  shrink 

When  trials  are  in  view  ; 

Expecting  we  must  sinkj 

And  never  can  get  through : 
But  could  we  once  believe  indeed, 
From  all  these  fears  we  should  be  freed. 

LXXIV.     Belshazzar.     Chap.  v.  5,  6. 

.1  Poor  sinners  !  little  do  they  think 
With  whom  they  have  to  do ! 
But  stand  securely  on  the  brink 
Of  everlasting  wo. 

2  Belshazzar  thus,  profanely  bold, 

The  Lord  of  hosts  defy'd ; 
But  vengeance  soon  his  boasts  controll'd, 
And  humbled  all  his  pride. 

3  He  saw  a  hand  upon  the  wall, 

(And  trembled  on  his  throne,) 
Which  wrote  his  sudden  dreadful  fall 
In  characters  unknown. 

4  Why  should  he  tremble  at  the  view 

Of  what  he  could  not  read  ? 
Foreboding  conscience  quickly  knew 
His  ruin  was  decreed. 

5  See  him  o'erwhelm'd  with  deep  distress  ! 

His  eyes  with  anguish  roll ; 
His  looks  and  loosen'd  joints  express 
The  terrors  of  his  soul. 

6  His  pomp  and  music,  guests  and  wine, 

No  more  delight  afford  ; 
Oh,  sinner  !  ere  this  case  be  thine, 
Begin  to  seek  the  Lord. 


&fc  Jonah.  Book  I. 

7  The  law,  like  this  hand- writing,  stands, 
And  speaks  the  wrath  of  God*  ; 

But  Jesus  answers  its  demands, 
And  cancels  it  with  blood, 

JONAH. 

LXXV.      The  Gourd.     Chap.  iv.  7. 

1  As  once  for  Jonah,  so  the  Lord, 

To  sooth  and  cheer  my  mournful  hours, 
Prepared  for  me  a  pleasing  gourd ; 

Cool  was  its  shade  and  sweet  its  flow'rs. 

2  To  prize  his  gift  was  surely  right, 

But  through  the  folly  of  my  heart, 
It  hid  the  Giver  from  my  sight, 

And  soon  my  joy  was  chang'd  to  smart? 

3  While  I  admir'd  its  beauteous  form, 

Its  pleasant  shade  and  grateful  fruit ; 
The  Lord,  displeas'd,  sent  forth  a  worm, 
Unseen,  to  prey  upon  the  root. 

4  I  trembled  when  I  saw  it  fade, 

But  guilt  restrain'd  themurm'ring  word  ; 
My  folly  I  confess'd,  and  pray'd, 

Forgive  my  sin,  and  spare  my  gourd. 

5  His  wond'rous  love  can  ne'er  be  told, 

He  heard  me,  and  reliev'd  my  pain  ; 
His  word  the  threat'ning  worm  controll'd, 
And  bid  my  gourd  revive  again. 

6  Now,  Lord,  my  gourd  is  mine  no  more, 

'Tis  thine,  who  only  couldst  it  raise ; 
The  idol  of  my  heart  before, 

Henceforth  shall  flourish  to  thy  praise. 

*  Qo\.  ii.   14. 


.Hymn  76.  Zechariah.  9o 

ZECHARIAH 

LXXVI.     Prayer  for  the  Lord's  promised  Pre- 
sence.    Chap.  ii.   10. 

1  Son  of  God !  thy  people  shield  ! 

Must  we  still  thine  absence  mourn  ? 
Let  thy  promise  be  fulfhTd, 

Thou  hast  said,  "  I  will  return." 

'2  Gracious  Leader,  now  appear, 
Shine  upon  us  with  thy  light ! 
Like  the  spring,  when  thou  art  near, 
Days  and  suns  are  doubly  bright. 

3  As  a  mother  counts  the  days 

Till  her  absent  son  she  see, 
Longs  and  watches,  weeps  and  prays, 
So  our  spirits  long  for  thee. 

4  Come,  and  let  us  feel  thee  nigh, 

Then  thy  sheep  shall  feed  in  peace ; 
Plenty  bless  us  from  orf  high, 
Evil  from  amongst  us  cease. 

5  With  thy  love,  and  voice,  and  aid, 

Thou  canst  ev'ry  care  assuage  ; 
Then  we  shall  not  be  afraid, 

Though  the  world  and  Satan  rage. 

6  Thus  each  day  for  thee  we'll  spend, 

While  our  callings  we  pursue  ; 

And  the  thoughts  of  such  a  Friend 

Shall  each  night  our  joy  renew. 

7  Let  thy  light  be  ne'er  withdrawn, 

Golden  days  afford  us  long ! 
Thus  we  pray  at  early  dawn, 
This  shall  be  our  ev'ning  song. 


96  Zechariah.  Book  I. 


LXXVII.     A  Brand  plucked  out  of  the  Fire-. 
Chap.  iii.   1 — 5. 

1  With  Satan,  my  accuser,  near, 

My  spirit  trembled  when  I  saw 
The  Lord  in  majesty  appear, 
And  heard  the  language  of  his  law. 

2  In  vain  I  wish'd  and  stroye  to  hide 

The  tatter'd  filthy  rags  I  wore  ; 
While  my  fierce  foe  insulting  cry'd, 
"  See  what  you  trusted  in  before  !'' 

3  Struck  dumb,  and  left  without  a  plea, 

I  heard  my  gracious  Saviour  say, 
"  Know,  Satan,  I  this  sinner  free, 
"  I  died  to  take  his  sins  away. 

4  "  This  is  a  brand  which  I,  in  love, 

<e  To  save  from  wrath  and  sin  design ! 
"  In  vain  thy  accusations  prove ; 

"  I  answer  all,  and  claim  him  mine.', 

5  At  his  rebuke  the  tempter  fied ; 

Then  he  remov'd  my  filthy  dress  ; 

"  Poor  sinner,  take  this  robe,*'  he  said, 

"  It  is  thy  Saviour's  righteousness. 

6  "  And  see,  a  crown  of  life  prepar'd ! 

"  That  I  might  thus  thy  head  adorn  ; 
"  I  thought  no  shame  or  suffering  hard, 
"  But  wore  for  thee  a  crown  of  thorn." 

7  O  how  I  heard  these  gracious  words  ! 

They  broke  and  heal'd  my  heart  at  once ; 
Conbtr^in'd  me  to  become  the  Lord's, 
And  all  my  idol -gods  renounce. 


Hymn  78.  Zechariah.  97 

8  Now,  Satan,  thou  hast  lost  thy  aim, 

Against  this  brand  thy  threats  are  vain ; 
Jesus  has  pluck'd  it  from  the  flame. 
And  who  shall  put  it  in  again  ? 

LXXVIII.     On  one  Stone  shall  be  seven  Eyes, 
Chap.  iii.  9. 

1  Jesus  Christ,  the  Lord's  anointed, 

Who  his  blood  for  sinners  spilt, 
Is  the  Stone  by  God  appointed, 
And  the  church  is  on  him  built : 
He  delivers  all  who  trust  him  from  their  guilt* 

2  Many  eyes  at  once  are  fixed 

On  a  person  so  divine  ; 
Love,  with  awful  justice  mixed, 
In  this  great  redemption  shine  :     j 
Mighty  Jesus !  give  me  leave  to  call  thee  mine. 

3  By  the  Father's  eye  approved, 

Lo,  a  voice  is  heard  from  heav'n*; 
"  Sinners,  this  is  my  beloved, 
"  For  your  ransom  freely  given  : 
"  All  offences,  for  his  sake,  shall  be  forgiven.5* 

4  Angels  with  their  eyes  pursu'd  himf , 

When  he  left  his  glorious  throne  ; 
With  astonishment  they  view'd  him 

Put  the  form  of  servant  on  :         [known. 
Angels  worshipp'd  him  who  was  on  earth  un- 

5  Satan  and  his  host  amazed, 

Saw  this  stone  in  Zion  laid ; 
Jesus,  though  to  death  abased, 

Bruis'd  the  subtle  serpent's  headj, 
When,  to  save  us,  on  the  cross  his  blood  he  shed, 

*  Matth.  iii.  17.      t  1  Tim.  iii.  16.      \  John  xii.  31. 
I 


98  Zcchariah.  Book  h 

6  When  a  guilty  sinner  sees  him, 

While  he  looks,  his  soul  is  heal'd  ; 
Soon  this  sight  from  anguish  frees  him, 
And  imparts  a  pardon  seaPd*  : 
May  this  Saviour  be  to  all  our  hearts  reveaPd. 

7  With  desire  and  admiration, 

All  his  blood-bought  flock  behold ; 
Him  who  wrought  out  their  salvation, 
And  enclos'd  them  in  his  foldf: 
Yet  their  warmest  love  and  praises  are  too  cold. 

8  By  the  eye  of  carnal  reason 

Many  view  him  with  disdain  J; 
How  will  they  abide  the  season 

When  he'll  come  with  all  his  train  ? 
To  escape  him  then  they  '11  wish,but  wish  in  vain* 

9  How  their  hearts  will  melt  and  tremble 

When  they  hear  his  awful  voiced; 
But  his  saints  he'll  then  assemble, 
As  his  portion  and  his  choice, 
And  receive  them  to  his  everlasting  joys. 

LXXIX.     C.     Praise  for  the  Fountain  ojiened. 
Chap.  xiii.  1. 

1  There  is  a  fountain  filPd  with  blood 

Drawn  from  ImmanuePs  veins  ; 
And  sinners  plung'd  beneath  that  flood, 
Lose  all  their  guilty  stains. 

2  The  dying  thief  rejoic'd  to  see     . 

That  fountain  in  his  day ; 

And  there  have  I,  as  vile  as  he, 

Wash'd  all  my  sins  away. 

*  Jchniii.  15.  t  1  Pet.  ii.  f. 

\  Ps.  cxviii.  22.  §  Rev.  i.  7. 


Hymn  SO.  Malachi.  $$ 

3  Dear  dying*  Lamb,  thy  precious  blood 

Shall  never  lose  its  pow'r, 
Till  all  the  ransom'd  church  of  God 
Be  sav'd  to  sin  no  more. 

4  E'er  since,  by  faith,  I  saw  the  stream 

Thy  flowing  wounds  supply, 
Redeeming  love  has  been  my  theme, 
And  shall  be  till  I  die. 

5  Then  in  a  nobler,  sweeter  song 

I'll  sing  thy  pow'r  to  save  ; 
When  this  poor  lisping,  stamm'ring  tongue 
Lies  silent  in  the  grave. 

6  Lord,  I  believe  thou  hast  prepar'd^ 

(Unworthy  though  I  be,) 
Tor  me  a  blood-bought  free  reward, 
A  golden  harp  for  me  ! 

7  'Tis  strung  and  tun'd,  for  endless  years, 

And  form'd  by  pow'r  divine  ; 
To  sound  in  God  the  Father's  ears 
No  other  name  but  thine. 

MALACHI. 

!LXXX.     They  shall  be  mine,  saith  the  Lord. 
Chap.  iii.  16 — 18. 

1  When  sinners  utter  boasting  words, 

And  glory  in  their  shame  ; 
The  Lord,  well  pleas'd,  an  ear  affords 
To  those  who  fear  his  name. 

2  They  often  meet  to  seek  his  face, 

And  what  they  do,  or  say, 
Is  noted  in  his  book  of  grace 
Against  another  day. 


100  Matthew.  Book  I. 

3  For  they  by  faith  a  day  descry, 

And  joyfully  expect, 
When  he,  descending  from  the  sky, 
His  jewels  will  collect. 

4  Unnotic'd  now,  because  unknown, 

A  poor  and  suff'ring  few ; 
He  comes  to  claim  them  for  his  own, 
And  bring  them  forth  to  view. 

5  With  transport  then  their  Saviour's  care 

And  favour  they  shall  prove  ; 
As  tender  parents  guard  and  spare 
The  children  of  their  love. 

6  Assembled  worlds  will  then  discern 

The  saints  alone  are  blest ; 
When  wrath  shall  like  an  oven  burn, 
And  vengeance  strike  the  rest. 

MATTHEW. 

LXXXI.       The  Beggar.       Chap,  vii.  7,  S, 

X  Encourag'd  by  thy  word 

Of  promise  to  the  poor, 
Behold  a  beggar,  Lord, 

Writs  at  thy  mercy's  door  ! 
No  hand,  no  heart,  O  Lord,  but  thine.. 
Can  help  or  pity  wants  like  mine. 

2  The  beggar's  usual  plea, 

Relief  from  men  to  gain, 
If  offer'd  unto  thee, 

I  know  thou  wouldst  disdain  ; 
And  pleas  which  move  thy  gracious  ear, 
Are  such  as  men  would  scorn  to  hear. 


Hymn  SI.  Matthew.  101 

3  I  have  no  right  to  say, 

That  though  I  now  am  poor, 
Yet  once  there  was  a  day 

When  I  possessed  more : 
Thou  know'st  that  from  my  very  birth, 
I've  been  the  poorest  wretch  on  earth. 

4  Nor  can  I  dare  profess, 

As  beggars  often  do, 
Though  great  is  my  distress, 
My  wants  have  been  but  few  : 
If  thou  shouldst  leave  my  soul  to  starve., 
It  would  be  what  I  well  deserve. 

5  'Twere  folly  to  pretend 

I  never  begg'd  before  ; 
Or  if  thou  now  befriend, 

I'll  trouble  thee  no  more  : 
Thou  often  hast  reliev'd  my  pain, 
And  often  I  must  come  again. 

6  Though  crumbs  are  much  too  good 

For  such  a  dog  as  I, 
No  less  than  children's  food 
My  soul  can  satisfy  ; 

0  do  not  frown  and  bid  me  go, 

1  must  have  all  thou  canst  bestow, 

7  Nor  can  I  willing  be 

Thy  bounty  to  conceal 
From  others  who,  like  me, 
Their  wants  and  hunger  feel ; 
I'll,  tell  them  of  thy  mercy's  store, 
And  try  to  send  a  thousand  more. 
I  2 


102  Matthew.  Book  I. 

8  Thy  thoughts,  thou  only  wise  ! 

Our  thoughts,  and  ways  transcend, 
Far  as  the  arched  skies 

Above  the  earth  extend*: 
Such  pleas  as  mine  men  would  not  bear, 
But  God  receives  a  beggar's  pray'r. 

LXXXII.     The  Leper.     Chap.  viii.  2,  3. 

1  Opt  as  the  leper's  case  I  read, 

My  own  describ'd  I  feel ; 
Sin  is  a  leprosy  indeed, 

Which  none  but  Christ  can  heah 

2  A  while  I  would  have  pass'd  for  well, 

And  strove  my  spots  to  hide ; 
Till  it  broke  out  incurable, 
Too  plain  to  be  deny'd. 

3  Then  from  the  saints  I  sought  to  flee, 

And  dreaded  to  be  seen  ; 
I  thought  they  all  would  point  at  me, 
And  cry,  "  Unclean,  unclean  !" 

4  What  anguish  did  my  soul  endure, 

Till  hope  and  patience  ceas'd ! 
The  more  I  strove  myself  to  cure, 
The  more  the  plague  increas'd. 

5  While  thus  I  lay  distress'd,  I  saw 

The  Saviour  passing  by  ; 
To  him,  though  fill'd  with  shame  and  awe, 
I  rais'd  my  mournful  cry. 

*  Isa.  !v.  8,  9. 


Hymn  83.  Matthew.  103 

6  Lord,  thou  canst  heal  me  if  thou  wilt, 

For  thou  canst  all  things  do ; 
O  cleanse  my  leprous  soul  from  guilt, 
My  filthy  heart  renew ! 

7  He  heard,  and  with  a  gracious  look 

Pronounc'd  the  healing  word ; 
"  I  will — be  clean,"  and  while  he  spoke 
I  felt  my  health  restor'd. 

8  Come,  lepers,  seize  the  present  hour, 

The  Saviour's  grace  to  prove  ; 
He  can  relieve,  for  he  is  pow'r, 
He  will,  for  he  is  love. 


LXXXIII.     A  sick  Soul.     Chap.  ix.   12. 

1  Physician  of  my  sin-sick  soul, 

To  thee  I  bring  my  case ; 
My  raging  malady  control, 
And  heal  me  by  thy  grace. 

2  Pity  the  anguish  I  endure, 

See  how  I  mourn  and  pine ; 
For  never  can  I  hope  a  cure 
From  any  hand  but  thine. 

3  I  would  disclose  my  whole  complaint. 

But  where  shall  I  begin  ? 
JJo  words  of  mine  can  fully  paint 
That  worst  distemper,  sin. 

4  It  lies  not  in  a  single  part, 

But  through  my  frame  is  spread  ; 
A  burning  fever  in  my  heart, 
A  palsy  in  my  head. 


104  Matthew.  Book  I, 

5  It  makes  me  deaf,  and  dumb,  and  blind, 

And  impotent  and  lame  ; 
And  overclouds,  and  fills  my  mind 
With  folly,  fear  and  shame. 

6  A  thousand  evil  thoughts  intrude 

Tumultuous  in  my  breast ; 
Which  indispose  me  for  my  food, 
And  rob  me  of  my  rest. 

7  Lord,  I  am  sick,  regard  my  cry, 

And  set  my  spirit  free  : 
Say,  canst  thou  let  a  sinner  die, 
Who  longs  to  live  to  thee  ? 

LXXXIV.      Satan  returning.     Chap.  xii.  43 — 4§. 


1  When  Jesus  claims  the  sinner's  heart, 
Where  Satan  rul'd  before  ; 
The  evil  spirit  must  depart, 
And  dares  return  no  more. 

'2  But  when  he  goes  without  constraint, 
And  wanders  from  his  home, 
Although  withdrawn,  'tis  but  a  feint, 
He  means  again  to  come. 

3  Some  outward  change  perhaps  is  seen, 

If  Satan  quit  the  place ; 
But  though  the  house  seem  swept  and  clean. 
'Tis  destitute  of  grace. 

4  Except  the  Saviour  dwell  and  reign 

Within  the  sinner's  mind, 
Satan,  when  he  returns  again, 
Will  easy  entrance  find. 


Hymn  85.  Matthew.  105 

5  With  rage  and  malice  sevenfold, 
He  then  resumes  his  sway ; 
No  more  by  checks  to  be  controll'd, 
No  more  to  go  away. 

%  The  sinner's  former  state  was  bad, 
But  worse  the  latter  far  ; 
He  lives  possessed,  blind,  and  mad, 
And  dies  in  dark  despair. 

7  Lord,  save  me  from  this  dreadful  end  \ 
And  from  this  heart  of  mine, 
O  drive  and  keep  away  the  fiend 
Who  fears  no  voice  but  thine. 

LXXXV.    C.     The  Sower.    Chap,  xiii,  3. 


1  Ye  sons  of  earth,  prepare  the  plough9 

Break  up  your  fallow  ground  ! 
The  sower  is  gone  forth  to  sow, 
And  scatter  blessings  round, 

2  The  seed  that  finds  a  stony  soil 

Shoots  forth  a  hasty  blade  ; 
But  ill  repays  the  sower's  toil, 

Soon  wither'd,  scorch'd*  and  dead. 

3  The  thorny  ground  is  sure  to  balk 

All  hopes  of  harvest  there  : 
We  find  a  tall  and  sickly  stalk, 
But  not  the  fruitful  ear. 

4  The  beaten  path  and  highway  side 

Receive  the  trust  in  vain  ; 
The  watchful  birds  the  spoil  divide, 
And  pick  up  all  the  grain. 


100  Matthew.  Book  I. 

5  But  where  the  Lord  of  grace  and  pow  r 

Has  bless'd  the  happy  field ; 
How  plenteous  is  the  golden  store 
The  deep-wrought  furrows  yield  ! 

6  Father  of  mercies,  we  have  need 

Of  thy  preparing  grace ; 
Let  the  same  hand  that  gives  the  seed 
Provide  a  fruitful  place. 


LXXXVI.   The  Wheat  and  Tares.  Ch.  xiii.  37 — £2. 

1  Though  in  the  outward  church  below 
The  wheat  and  tares  together  grow, 
Jesus  ere  long  will  weed  the  crop, 
And  pluck  the  tares,  in  anger,  up. 

2  Will  it  relieve  their  horrors  there, 
To  recollect  their  stations  here  ? 

How  much  they  heard,  how  much  they  knew, 
How  long  amongst  the  wheat  they  grew  ? 

3  Oh  !  this  will  aggravate  their  case  ! 
They  perish'd  under  means  of  grace  ; 
To  them  the  word  of  life  and  faith 
Became  an  instrument  of  death. 

4  We  seem  alike  when  thus  we  meet, 
Strangers  might  think  we  all  are  wheat ; 
But  to  the  Lord's  all-  searching  eves, 
Each  heart  appears  without  disguise, 

5  The  tares  are  spar'd  for  various  ends  ; 
Some  for  the  sake  of  praying  friends  ; 
Others,  the  Lord,  against  their  will. 
Employs  his  counsels  to  fulfil. 


Hymn  87.  Matthew.  107 

6  Sut  though  they  grow  so  tall  and  strong, 
His  plan  will  not  require  them  long ; 
In  harvest,  when  he  saves  his  own, 
The  tares  shall  into  hell  be  thrown. 


LXXXVII.     Peter  %valking  u/ion  the  Water- 
Chap.  x'iv.  28 — 31. 

1  A  word  from  Jesus  calms  the  sea, 

The  stormy  wind  controls, 
And  gives  repose  and  liberty 
To  tempest-tossed  souls. 

2  To  Peter  on  the  waves  he  came, 

And  gave  him  instant  peace  ; 
Thus  he  to  me  reveal'd  his  name, 
And  bid  my  sorrows  cease. 

3  Then  fhTdwith  wonder,  joy,  and  love, 

Peter's  request  was  mine  ; 
"  Lord,  call  me  down,  I  long  to  prove 
"  That  I  am  wholly  thine. 

4  "  Unmov'd  at  all  I  have  to  meet 

"  On  life's  tempestuous  sea, 
"  Hard  shall  be  easy,  bitter  sweet, 
"  So  I  may  follow  thee.'* 

5  He  heard  and  smil'd,  and  bid  me  try ; 

I  eagerly  obey'd ; 
But  when  from  him  I  turn'd  my  eye, 
Plow  was  my  soul  dismay'd  I 

6  The  storm  increas'd  on  ev'ry  side, 

I  felt  my  spirit  shrink  : 
And  soon,  with  Peter,  loud  I  cry'd, 
"  Lord,  save  me,  or  I  sink," 


IOS  JIattJiew.  Book  I. 

7  Kindly  he  caught  me  by  the  hand, 

And  said,  "  Why  dost  tnou  icar, 
"  Since  thou  art  come  at  my  command, 
"  And  I  am  always  near  ? 

8  "  Upon  my  promise  rest  thy  hope, 

"  And  keep  my  love  in  view ; 
"  I  stand  engag'd  to  hold  thee  up, 
"  And  guide  thee  safely  through.*' 


LXXXVIII.    Woman  of  Canaan.  Chap.  xv.  22—28. 

1  Pray'r  an  answer  will  obtain, 

Though  the  Lord  a  while  delay ; 
None  shall  seek  his  face  in  v^in, 
None  be  empty  sent  away. 

2  When  the  woman  came  from  Tyre. 

And  for  help  to  Jesus  sought ; 
Though  he  granted  her  desire, 
Yet  at  first  he  answer'd  not. 

3  Could  she  guess  at  his  intent, 

When  he  to  his  foil  Vers  said, 
"  I  to  Israel's  sheep  am  sent, 
"  Dogs  must  not  have  children's  bread." 

4  She  was  not  of  Israel's  seed, 

But  of  Canaan's  wretched  race  ; 
Thought  herself  a  dog  indeed  : 
Was  not  this  a  hopeless  case  ? 

5  Yet  although  from  Canaan  sprung, 

Though  a  dog  herself  she  styl'd, 
She  had  Israel's  faith  and  tongue, 
And  was  ovvn'd  for  Abr'ham's  child. 


Hymn  89.  Matthew.  100 

6  From  his  words  she  draws  a  plea : 

"  Though  unworthy  children's  bread, 
"  'Tis  enough  for  one  like  me, 
"  If  with  crumbs  I  may  be  fed." 

7  Jesus  then  his  heart  reveaTd  : 

"  Woman,  canst  thou  thus  believe  ? 
"  I  to  thy  petition  yield ;    . 

"  All  that  thou  canst  wish,  receive." 

8  'Tis  a  pattern  set  for  us, 

How  we  ought  to  wait  and  pray  ; 
None  who  plead  and  wrestle  thus 
Shall  be  empty  sent  away. 

LXXXIX.  What  think  ye  of  Chirst  ?  Chap.  xxii.  42. 

1  What  think  you  of  Christ  ?  is  the  test, 

To  try  both  your  state  and  your  scheme ; 
You  cannot  be  right  in  the  rest, 

Unless  you  think  rightly  of  him. 
As  Jesus  appears  in  your  view, 

As  he  is  beloved  or  not ; 
So  God  is  disposed  to  you, 

And  mercy  or  wrath  are  your  lot. 

2  Some  take  him  a  creature  to  be, 

A  man  or  an  angel  at  most : 
Sure  these  have  not  feelings  like  me, 

Nor  know  themselves  wretched  and  lost. 
So  guilty,  so  helpless  am  I, 

I  durst  not  confide  in  his  blood, 
Nor  on  his  protection  rely, 

Unless  I  were  sure  he  is  God. 
K 


110  Matl/iew.  Book  I. 

3  Some  call  him  Saviour,  in  word, 

But  mix  their  own  works  with  his  plan  ; 
And  hope  he  his  help  will  afford, 

When  they  have  done  all  that  they  can  : 
If  doings  prove  rather  too  light, 

(A  little,  they  own,  they  may  fail,) 
They  purpose  to  make  up  full  weight, 

By  casting  his  name  in  the  scale. 

4  Some  style  him  the  pearl  of  great  price, 

And  say  he's  the  fountain  of  joys  ; 
Yet  feed  upon  folly  and  vice, 

And  cleave  to  the  world  and  its  toys  : 
Like  Judas,  the  Saviour  they  kiss, 

And  while  they  salute  him,  betray  ; 
Ah  !  what  will  profession  like  this 

Avail  in  his  terrible  day  ? 

5  If  ask 'd,  what  of  Jesus  I  think, 

Tho*  still  my  best  thoughts  are  but  poor, 
I  say,  he's  my  meat  and  my  drink, 

My  life,  and  my  strength,  and  my  store ; 
My  Shepherd,  my  Husband,  my  Friend, 

My  Saviour  from  sin  and  from  thrall ; 
My  hope  from  beginning  to  end, 

My  portion,  my  Lord,  and  my  All. 

XC.      The  foolish  Virgins*.     Chap.  xxv.  1, 

1  When,  descending  from  the  sky, 
The  Bridegroom  shall  appear, 
And  the  soiemn  midnight  cry 
Shall  caii  professors  near, 

*  B©ok  iii.  ^Hymw  72. 


Hymn  90.  Matthew.  IB 

How  the  sound  our  hearts  will  damp  ! 

How  will  shame  o'erspread  each  face ! 
If  we  only  have  a  lamp, 

Without  the  oil  of  grace. 

2  Foolish  virgins  then  will  wake, 

And  seek  for  a  supply  ; 
But  in  vain  the  pains  they  take 

To  borrow  or  to  buy : 
Then  with  those  they  now  despise, 

Earnestly  they'll  wish  to  share ; 
But  the  best  among  the  wise 

Will  have  no  oil  to  spare. 

3  Wise  are  they,  and  truly  blest, 

Who  then  shall  ready  be  ! 
But  despair  will  seize  the  rest, 

And  dreadful  misery : 
Once,  they'll  cry,  we  scorn'd  to  doubt, 

Though  in  lies  our  trust  we  riut ; 
Now  our  lamp  of  hope  is  out, 

The  door  of  mercy  shut, 

4  If  they  then  presume  to  plead, 

"  Lord,  open  to  us  now ; 
"  We  on  earth  have  heard  and  pray'd, 

"  And  with  thy  saints  did  bow  :" 
He  will  answer  from  his  throne, 

"  Though  you  with  my  people  mix'd, 
*'  Yet  to  me  you  ne'er  were  known  ; 

"  Depart,  your  doom  is  iix'd." 

5  O  that  none  who  worship  here 

May  hear  that  word,  "  Depart !" 
Lord,  impress  a  godly  fear 
On  each  professor's  heart ; 


112  Matthew.  Book  I. 

Help  us,  Lord,  to  search  the  camp, 
Let  us  not  ourselves  beguile ! 

Trusting  to  a  dying  lamp, 
Without  a  stock  of  oil. 

XCI.  Peter  sinning  and  repenting.    Chap.  xxvi.  $9. 

1  When  Peter  boasted,  soon  he  fell, 

Yet  was  by  grace  restor'd  ; 
His  case  should  be  regarded  well 
By  all  who  fear  the  Lord. 

2  A  v  oice  it  has,  and  helping  hand, 

Backsliders  to  recall ; 
And  cautions  those  who  think  they  stand, 
Lest  suddenly  they  fall. 

3  He  said,   "  Whatever  others  do, 

"  With  Jesus  I'll  abide;" 
Yet  soon  amidst  a  murd'rous  crew 
His  suff'ring  Lord  deny'd. 

4  He  who  had  been  so  bold  before, 

Now  trembled  like  a  leaf ; 
Not  only  lied,  but  curs'd  and  swore, 
To  gain  the  more  belief. 

5  While  he  blasphem'd,  he  heard  the  cock, 

And  Jesus  look'd  in  love  ; 
At  once,  as  if  by  lightning  struck,    • 
His  tongue  forbore  to  move. 

6  Deliver'd  thus  from  Satan's  snare, 

He  starts,  as  from  a  sleep  ; 
His  Saviour's  look  he  could  not  bear, 
But  hasted  forth  to  weep. 


Hymn  92.  Mark,  113 

7  But  sure  the  faithful  cock  had  crow'd 
A  hundred  times  in  vain, 
Had  not  the  Lord  that  look  bestowM, 
The  meaning  to  explain. 

8-As  I,  like  Peter,  vows  have  made, 
Yet  acted  Peter's  part ; 
So  conscience,  like  the  cock,  upbraids 
My  base,  ungrateful  heart. 

9  Lord  Jesus,  hear  a  sinner's  cry, 
My  broken  peace  renew  ; 
And  grant  one  pitying  look,  that  I 
May  weep  with  Peter  too. 

MARK. 

XCII.     The  Legion  dispossessed.      Chap.  v.  IS,  19. 

1  Legion  was  my  name  by  nature, 

Satan  rag'd  within  my  breast ; 
Never  misery  was  greater, 

Never  sinner  more  possess'd  : 
Mischievous  to  all  around  me, 

To  myself  the  greatest  foe ; 
Thus  I  was  when  Jesus  found  me, 

Fill'd  with  madness,  sin,  and  wo, 

2  Yet  in  this  forlorn  condition, 

When  he  came  to  set  me  free, 
I  reply 'd  to  my  Physician, 

"  What  have  I  to  do  with  thee  ?" 
But  he  would  not  be  prevented, 

Rescu'd  me  against  my  will ; 
Had  he  staid  till  I  consented, 

I  had  been  a  captive  stilh 
K  2 


114  Mark.  Book  I. 

3  "  Satan,  though  thou  fain  wouldst  have  it, 

"  Know,  this  soul  is  none  of  thine  ; 
"  I  have  shed  my  blood  to  save  it, 

"  Now  I  challenge  it  for  mine*  : 
"  Though  it  long  has  thee  resembled, 

"  Henceforth  it  shall  me  obey  :" 
Thus  he  spoke,  while  Satan  trembled, 

Gnash'd  his  teeth,  and  fled  away. 

4  Thus  my  frantic  soul  he  healed, 

Bid  my  sins  and  sorrows  cease ; 
"  Take,"  said  he,  "  my  pardon  sealed, 

"  I  have  sav'd  thee,  go  in  peace." 
Rather  take  me,  Lord,  to  heaven, 

Now  thy  love  and  grace  I  know ; 
Since  thou  hast  my  sins  forgiven, 

Why  should  I  remain  below  ? 

5  "  Love,"  he  said,  "  will  sweeten  labours, 

"  Thou  hast  something  yet  to  do  ; 
"  Go  and  tell  your  friends  and  neighbours 

"  What  my  love  has  done  for  you  : 
"  Live  to  manifest  my  glory, 

''  Wait  for  heaven  a  little  space  ; 
"  Sinners,  when  they  hear  thy  story, 

"  Will  repent,  and  seek  my  face." 

XCIII.       The  Ruler's  Daughter  raised. 
Chap.  v.  39 — 42. 

1  Could  the  creatures  help  or  ease  us, 
Seldom  should  we  think  of  pray'r ; 
Few,  if  any,  come  to  Jesus, 
Till  reduc'd  to  self-despair  : 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  54. 


Hymn  93.  Mark.  115 

Long  we  either  slight  or  doubt  him  ; 

But  when  all  the  means  we  try 
Prove  we  cannot  do  without  him, 

Then  at  last  to  him  we  cry. 

2  Thus  the  ruler  when  his  daughter 

Suffer'd  much,  though  Christ  was  nigh, 
Still  deferr'd  it,  till  he  thought  her 

At  the  very  point  to  die  : 
Though  he  mourn 'd  for  her  condition,. 

He  did  not  entreat  the  Lord, 
Till  he  found  that  no  physician 

But  himself  could  help  afford. 

3  Jesus  did  not  once  upbraid  him, 

That  he  had  no  sooner  come ; 
But  a  gracious  answer  made  him, 

And  went  straightway  with  him  home  : 
Yet  his  faith  was  put  to  trial 

When  his  servants  came,  and  said, 
"  Though  he  gave  thee  no  denial, 

"  'Tis  too  late,  the  child  is  dead.'' 

4  Jesus,  to  prevent  his  grieving, 

Kindly  spoke  and  eas'd  his  pain ; 
"  Be  not  fearful,  but  believing, 

"  Thou  shalt  see  her  live  again." 
When  he  found  the  people  weeping, 

"  Cease/'  he  said,  "  no  longer  mourn  ; 
"  For  she  is  not  dead,  but  sleeping-," 

Then  they  laughed  him  to  scorn. 

5  O  thou  meek  and  lowly  Saviour, 

How  determin'd  is  thy  love  ! 
Not  this  rude,  unkind  behaviour, 
Could  thy  gracious  purpose  move  : 


116  Mark.  Book  I. 

Soon  as  he  the  room  had  entered, 
Spoke,  and  took  her  by  the  hand ; 

Death  at  once  his  prey  surrender'd, 
And  she  liv'd  at  his  command. 

6  Fear  not  then,  distress'd  believer, 

Venture  on  his  mighty  name  ; 
He  is  able  to  deliver, 

And  his  love  is  still  the  same  ; 
Can  his  pity  or  his  power 

Suffer  thee  to  pray  in  vain  ; 
Wait  but  his  appointed  hour, 

And  thy  suit  thou  shalt  obtain. 

XCIV.     But  one  Loaf  * .     Chap.  viii.  14- 

1  When  the  disciples  cross'd  the  lake 

With  but  one  loaf  on  board, 
How  strangely  did  their  hearts  mistake 
The  caution  of  their  Lord. 

2  "  The  leaven  of  the  Pharisees 

"  Beware,"  the  Saviour  said; 
The)r  thought,  it  is  because  he  sees 
We  have  forgotten  bread. 

3  It  seems  they  had  forgotten  too 

What  their  own  eyes  had  view'd  ; 
How  with  what  scarce  suffic'd  for  few, 
He  fed  a  multitude. 

4  If  Jive  small  loaves,  by  his  command, 

Could  many  thousands  serve ; 
Might  they  not  trust  his  gracious  hand, 
That  they  should  never  starve  ? 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  57. 


Hymn  95.  Mark.  117 

5  They  oft  his  pow'r  and  love  had  known. 

And  doubtless  were  to  blame  ; 
But  we  have  reason  good  to  own 
That  we  are  just  the  same. 

6  How  often  has  he  brought  relief, 

And  ev'ry  want  supply 'd ! 
Yet  soon,  again,  our  unbelief 

Says,  "  Can  the  Lord  provide  ?'* 

7  Be  thankful  for  one  loaf  to-day, 

Though  that  be  all  your  store  ; 
To-morrow,  if  you  trust  and  pray, 
Shall  timely  bring  you  more. 


XCV.     Bartimeus.     Chap.  s.  47,  4$. 

"  Mercy,  O  thou  Son  of  David  !" 

Thus  blind  Bartimeus  pray'd  ; 
"  Others  by  thy  word  are  saved 

"  Now  to  me  afford  thine  aid." 
Many  for  his  crying  chid  him, 

But  he  calPd  the  louder  still ; 
Till  the  gracious  Saviour  bid  him 

"  Come,  and  ask  me  what  you  will." 

Money  was  not  what  he  wanted, 

Though  by  begging  us'd  to  live  ; 
But  he  ask 'd,  and  Jesus  granted, 

Alms  which  none  but  he  could  give : 
"  Lord,  remove  this  grievous  blindness, 

"  Let  my  eyes  behold  the  day  ;" 
Straight  he  saw,  and,  won  by  kindness, 

Follow'd  Jesus  in  the  way. 


118  Mark.  Book  L 

3  Oh !  methinks  I  hear  him  praising, 

Publishing  to  all  around, 
"  Friends,  is  not  my  case  amazing  ? 

"  What  a  Saviour  I  have  found  ! 
a  Oh  !  that  all  the  blind  but  knew  him, 

"  And  would  be  advis'd  by  me  ! 
Ce  Surely,  would  they  hasten  to  him, 

"  He  would  cause  them  all  to  see." 


XCVI.     C.   The  House  of  Prayer.     Chap.  xi.   17. 


1  Thy  mansion  is  the  Christian's  heart, 

0  Lord,  thy  dwelling-place  secure  ! 
Bid  the  unruly  throng  depart, 

And  leave  the  consecrated  door. 

2  Devoted  as  it  is  to  thee, 

A  thievish  swarm  frequents  the  place ; 
They  steal  away  my  joys  from  me, 
And  rob  my  Saviour  of  his  praise. 

3  There  too  a  sharp  designing  trade 

Sin,  Satan  and  the  world  maintain ; 
Nor  cease  to  press  me,  and  persuade, 
To  part  with  ease  and  purchase  pain. 

4  I  know  them,  and  I  hate  their  din, 

Am  weary  of  the  bustling  crowd ; 
But  while  their  voice  is  heard  within, 

1  cannot  serve  thee  as  I  would. 

5  Oh  !  for  the  joy  thy  presence  gives, 

What  peace  shall  reign  when  thou  art  here ! 
Thy  presence  makes  this  den  of  thieves 
A  calm,  delightful  house  of  pray  V« 


Hymn  97.  Mark.  119 

6  And  if  thou  make  thy  temple  shine, 
Yet,  self-abas'd,  will  I  adore  ; 
The  gold  and  silver  are  not  mine, 
I  give  thee  what  was  thine  before. 


XCVIL     The  blasted  Fig-tree.     Chap.  xi.  20. 

1  One  awful  word  which  Jesus  spoke 

Against  the  tree  which  bore  no  fruit, 
More  piercing  than  the  lightning's  stroke9 
Blasted  and  dry'd  it  to  the  root. 

2  But  could  a  tree  the  Lord  offend, 

To  make  him  show  his  anger  thus  ? 
He  surely  had  a  further  end, 
To  be  a  warning  word  to  us. 

3  The  fig-tree  by  its  leaves  was  known ; 

But  having  not  a  fig  to  show. 
It  brought  a  heavy  sentence  down, 
"  Let  none  hereafter  on  thee  grow.'* 

4  Too  many,  who  the  gospel  hear, 

Whom  Satan  blinds  and  sin  deceives, 
We  to  this  fig-tree  may  compare, 
They  yield  no  fruit,  but  only  leaves. 

5  Knowledge,  and  zeal,  and  gifts,  and  talk, 

Unless  combin'd  with  faith  and  love, 
And  witness'd  by  a  Gospel-walk, 
Will  not  a  true  profession  prove. 

6  Without  the  fruit  the  Lord  expects, 

Knowledge  will  make  our  state  the  worse : 
The  barren  trees  he  still  rejects, 

And  soon  wiii  blast  them  with  his  curse. 


120  Luke,  Book  I. 

7  O  Lord,  unite  our  hearts  in  pray'r ! 
On  each  of  us  thy  spirit  send, 
That  we  the  fruits  of  grace  may  bear, 
And  find  acceptance  in  the  end. 


LUKE. 

XCVIII.      The  two  Debtors.     Chap.  vii.  47. 

1  On  c  e  a  woman  silent  stood 

While  Jesus  sat  at  meat ; 
From  her  eyes  she  pour'd  a  flood, 

To  wash  his  sacred  feet : 
Shame  and  wonder,  joy  and  love, 

All  at  once  possess'd  her  mind, 
That  she  e'er  so  vile  could  prove, 

Yet  now  forgiveness  find. 

\  "  How  came  this  vile  woman  here  ? 

"y  Will  Jesus  notice  such  ? 
"  Sure,  if  he  a  prophet  were, 

"  He  would  disdain  her  touch !" 
Simon  thus  with  scornful  heart, 

Slighted  one  whom  Jesus  lov'd  ; 
But  her  Saviour  took  her  part, 

And  thus  his  pride  reprov'd  : 

it "  If  two  men  in  debt  were  bound, 

"  One  less,  the  other  more, 
"  Fifty,  or  five  hundred  pound, 

"  And  both  alike  were  poor ; 
"  Should  the  lender  both  forgive, 

"  When  he  saw  them  both  distress'd, 
"  Which  of  them  would  you  believe 

"  Engaged  to  love  him  best  ?" 


Hymn  99.  Luke.  121 

4  "  Surely  he  who  most  did  owe,"    . 

The  Pharisee  reply 'd  : 
Then  our  Lord,  "  By  judging  so, 

"  Thou  dost  for  her  decide. 
"  Simon,  if  like  her  you  knew 

"  How  much  you  forgiveness  need  ; 
"  You  like  her  had  acted  too, 

"  And  welcom'd  me  indeed. 

5  "  When  the  load  of  sin  is  felt, 

"  And  much  forgiveness  known, 
"  Then  the  heart  of  course  will  melt, 

"  Though  hard  before  as  stone  : 
"  Blame  not  then  her  love  and  tears, 

"  Greatly  she  in  debt  has  been ; 
46  But  I  have  remov'd  her  fears, 

"  And  pardon'd  all  her  sin.'' 

6  When  I  read  this  woman's  case, 

Her  love  and  humble  zeal, 
I  confess,  with  shame  of  face, 

My  heart  is  made  of  steel : 
Much  has  been  forgiv'n  to  me, 

Jesus  paid  my  heavy  score  ; 
What  a  creature  must  I  be, 

That  I  can  love  no  more ! 

XCIX.      The  good  Samaritan.      Chap.  x.  33 — 35. 

1  How  kind  the  good  Samaritan 

To  him  who  fell  among  the  thieves ! 
Thus  Jesus  pities  fallen  man, 

And  heals  the  wounds  the  soul  receives. 

2  Oh  !  I  remember  well  the  day, 

When  sorely  wounded,  nearly  slain, 
Like  that  poor  man  I  bleeding  lay, 

And  groan'd  for  help,  but  groan 'd  in  vain. 
L 


122  Luke.  Book  I. 

3  Men  saw  me  in  this  helpless  case, 

And  pass'd  without  compassion  by ; 
Each  neighbour  turn'd  away  his  face, 
Unmoved  by  my  mournful  cry. 

4  But  he  whose  name  had  been  my  scorn, 

(As  Jews  Samaritans  despise,) 
Came,  when  he  saw  me  thus  forlorn, 
With  love  and  pity  in  his  eyes. 

5  Gently  he  rais'd  me  from  the  ground, 

Press'd  me  to  lean  upon  his  arm, 
And  into  ev'ry  gaping  wound 

He  pour'd  his  own  all-healing  balm. 

6  Unto  his  church  my  steps  he  led, 

The  house  prepar'd  for  sinners  lost, 
Gave  charge  I  should  be  cloth'd  and  fed, 
And  took  upon  him  all  the  cost. 

7  Thus  sav'd  from  death,  from  want  secur'd, 

I  wait  till  he  again  shall  come, 
(When  I  shall  be  completely  cur'd,) 
And  take  me  to  his  heav'nly  home. 

£  There,  through  eternal,  boundless  days, 
When  nature's  wheel  no  longer  rolls, 
How  shall  I  love,  adore,  and  praise, 
This  good  Samaritan  to  souls  I 

C.     Martha  and  Alary.     Chap.  38 — 42. 

1  Martha  her  love  and  joy  express'd 
By  care  to  entertain  her  guest ; 
While  Mary  sat  to  hear  her  Lord, 
And  could  not  bear  to  lose  a  word. 


Hymn  101.  Luke.  l53 

2  The  principle,  in  both  the  same, 
Produc'd  in  each  a  diff 'rent  aim  ; 
The  one  to  feast  the  Lord  was  led, 
The  other  waited  to  be  fed. 

3  But  Mary  chose  the  better  part, 

Her  Saviour's  words  refresh'd  her  heart ; 
While  busy  Martha  angry  grew, 
And  lost  her  time  and  temper  too. 

4  With  warmth  she  to  her  sister  spoke, 
But  brought  upon  herself  rebuke  : 

"  One  thing  is  needful,  and  but  one, 
"  Why  do  thy  thoughts  on  many  run  V3 

5  How  oft  are  we  like  Martha  vex'd, 
Encumber'd,  hurried,  and  perplex'd? 
While  trifles  so  engross  our  thought, 
The  one  thing  needful  is  forgot, 

6  Lord,  teach  us  this  one  thing  to  choose, 
Which  they  who  gain  can  never  lose ; 
Sufficient  in  itself  alone, 

And  needful,  were  the  world  our  own. 

7  Let  grov'iling  hearts  the  world  admire. 
Thy  love  is  all  that  I  require ! 
Gladly  I  may  the  rest  resign, 

If  the  one  needful  thing  be  mine ! 

CI.      The  Heart  taken. 

1  The  castle  of  the  human  heart, 
Strong  in  its  native  sin, 
Is  guarded  well  in  every  part, 
By  him  who  dwells  within. 


124  Luke.  Book  1. 

2  For  Satan  there  in  arms  resides, 

And  calls  the  place  his  own ; 
With  care  against  assaults  provides, 
And  rules  as  on  a  throne. 

3  Each  traitor  thought  on  him  as  chief, 

In  blind  obedience  waits ; 
And  pride,  self-will,  and  unbelief, 
Are  posted  at  the  gates. 

4  Thus  Satan  for  a  season  reigns, 

And  keeps  his  goods  in  peace  ; 
The  soul  is  pleas 'd  to  wear  his  chains, 
Nor  wishes  a  release. 

5  But  Jesus,  stronger  far  than  he, 

In  his  appointed  hour, 
Appears  to  set  his  people  free 
From  the  usurper's  pow'r. 

6  "  This  heart  I  bought  with  blood/'  he  says', 

"  And  now  it  shall  be  mine  ;" 
His  voice  the  strong  one  arm'd  dismays, 
He  knows  he  must  resign. 

7  In  spite  of  unbelief  and  pride, 

And  self,  and  Satan's  art, 
The  gates  of  brass  fly  open  wide, 
And  Jesus  wins  the  heart. 

8  The  rebel  soul  that  once  withstood' 

The  Saviour's  kindest  call, 
Rejoices  now,  by  grace  subdu'd, 
To  serve  him  with  her  all. 


Hymn  102.  Luke.  125 


CII.      The  Worldling:     Chap.  xii.  16— 21. 

1  "  My  barns  are  full,  my  stores  increase, 

"  And  now  for  many  years, 
"  Soul,  eat  and  drink,  and  take  thine  ease, 
"  Secure  from  wants  and  fears. " 

2  Thus  while  a  worldling  boasted  once, 

As  many  now  presume, 
He  heard  the  Lord  himself  pronounce 
His  sudden,  awful  doom. 

3  "  This  night,  vain  fool,  thy  soul  must  pass 

"  Into  a  world  unknown  : 
"  And  who  shall  then  the  stores  possess 
"  Which  thou  hast  call'd  thine  own." 

3  Thus  blinded  mortals  fondly  scheme 
For  happiness  below ; 
Till  death  disturbs  the  pleasing  dream, 
And  they  awake  to  wo. 

5  Ah  !  who  can  speak  the  vast  dismay 

That  fills  the  sinner's  mind, 
When,  torn  by  death's  strong  hand  away, 
He  leaves  his  all  behind. 

6  Wretches,  who  cleave  to  earthly  things, 

But  are  not  rich  to  God  ; 
Their  dying  hour  is  full  of  stings, 
And  hell  their  'dark  abode, 

7  Dear  Saviour,  make  us  timely  wise, 

Thy  Gospel  to  attend, 
That  we  may  live  above  the  skies, 
When  this  poor  life  shall  end. 

L  2 


136  Luke.  Book  I. 


CIII.      The  Barren  Fig-tree.     Chap.  xiii.  6 — 9. 

1  The  church  a  garden  is 

In  which  believers  stand, 
Like  ornamental  trees 

Planted  by  God's  own  hand  : 
His  Spirit  waters  all  the  roots, 
And  every  branch  abounds  with  fruits. 

2  But  other  trees  there  are 

In  this  enclosure  grow, 
Which,  though  they  promise  fair, 

Have  only  leaves  to  show  : 
No  fruits  of  grace  are  on  them  found, 
They  stand  but  cumb'rers  of  the  ground. 

3  The  under  gard'ner  grieves, 

In  vain  his  strength  he  spends, 
For  heaps  of  useless  leaves 

Afford  him  small  amends  : 
He  hears  the  Lord  his  will  make  known, 
To  cut  the  barren  fig-trees  down. 

4  How  difficult  his  post, 

What  pangs  his  bowels  move, 
To  find  his  wishes  crost, 

His  labours  useless  prove  ! 
His  last  relief,  his  earnest  pray'r, 
"  Lord,  spare  them  yet  another  year : 

5  "  Spare  them,  and  let  me  try 

"  What  further  means  may  do  ; 
"  I'll  fresh  manure  apply, 

"  My  digging  I'll  renew  : 
"  Who  knows  but  yet  they  fruit  may  yield  I 
"  If  not — 'tis  just,  they  must  be  felPd." 


Hymn  104.  Luke.  127 

6  If  under  means  of  grace 

No  gracious  fruits  appear, 
It  is  a  dreadful  case ; 

Though  God  may  long  forbear, 
At  length  he'll  strike  the  threat'ned  blow*, 
And  lay  the  barren  fig-tree  low. 

CIV.      The  Prodigal  Son.     Chap.  xv.   11—24, 

1  Afflictions,  though  they  seem  severe, 

In  mercy  oft  are  sent  ; 
They  stopp'd  the  prodigal's  career, 
And  fore'd  him  to  repent. 

2  Although  he  no  relentings  felt, 

Till  he  had  spent  his  store  ; 
His  stubborn  heart  began  to  melt 
When  famine  pinch'd  him  sore. 

3  "  What  have  I  gain'd  by  sin,"  he  said, 

"  But  hunger,  shame,  and  fear ; 
"  My  father's  house  abounds  with  bread? 
"  While  I  am  starving  here. 

4  "  I'll  go  and  tell  him  all  I've  done, 

"  And  fall  before  his  face ; 
"  Unworthy  to  be  call'd  his  son 
"  I'll  seek  a  servant's  place." 

5  His  father  saw  him  coming  back, 

He  saw,  and  ran,  and  smil'd ; 
And  threw  his  arms  around  the  neck 
Of  his  rebellious  child. 

£  "  Father,  I've  sinn'd — but,  Oh  forgive  I" 
"  I've  heard  enough,"  he  said ; 
"  Rejoice  my  house,  my  son's  alive, 
"  For  whom  I  mourn'd  as  dead. 

*  Book  II.  Hymn  26. 


128  Luke.  Book  L 

7  "  Now  let  the  fatted  calf  be  slain, 

"  And  spread  the  news  around ; 

"  My  son  was  dead,  but  lives  again, 

"  Was  lost,  but  now  is  found." 

8  'Tis  thus  the  Lord  his  love  reveals, 

To  call  poor  sinners  home  ; 
More  than  a  father's  love  he  feels, 
And  welcomes  all  that  come. 

CV.    The  Rich  Man  and  Lazarus.  Ch.  xvi.  19 — 25. 

1  A  Wo rldling  spent  each  day 

In  luxury  and  state ; 
While  a  believer  lay, 

A  beggar  at  his  gate  : 
Think  not  the  Lord's  appointment  strange  ; 
Death  made  a  great  and  lasting  change. 

2  Death  brought  the  saint  release 

From  want,  disease,  and  scorn ; 
And  to  the  land  of  peace, 

His  soul  by  angels  borne, 
In  Abr'ham's  bosom  safely  plac'd, 
Enjoys  an  everlasting  feast. 

3  The  rich  man  also  dy'd, 

And  in  a  moment  fell 
From  all  his  pomp  and  pride 

Into  the  flames  of  hell : 
The  beggar's  bliss  from  far  beheld, 
His  soul  with  double  anguish  fili'd. 

4  "  O  Abr'ham  send,"  he  cries, 

(But  his  request  was  vain,)         '«. 
"  The  beggar  from  the  skies 

"  To  mitigate  my  pain  ! 
"  One  drop  of  water  I  entreat, 
"  To  sooth  my  tongue's  tormenting  heat.  ? 


Hymn  106.  Luke.  129 

5  Let  all  who  worldly  pelf 

And  worldly  spirits  have, 
Observe,  each  for  himself, 

The  answer  Abr'ham  gave  ; 
"  Remember  thou  wast  fill'd  with  good, 
"  While  the  poor  beggar  pin'd  for  food. 

6  "  Neglected  at  thy  door, 

"  With  tears  he  begg'd  his  bread  ; 
"  But  now  he  weeps  no  more, 

"  His  griefs  and  pains  are  fled  : 
"  His  joys  eternally  will  flow, 
"  While  thine  expire  in  endless  wo. " 

7  Lord,  make  us  truly  wise, 

To  choose  thy  people's  lot, 
And  earthly  joys  despise, 

Which  soon  will  be  forgot : 
The  greatest  evil  we  can  fear, 
Is  to  possess  our  portion  here ! 

CVI.     The  Imfiortunate  Widow*.     Ch.  xviii.  1 — >7, 

1  Our  Lord,  who  knows  full  well 

The  heart  of  ev'ry  saint, 
Invites  us  by  a  parable, 
To  pray  and  never  faint. 

2  He  bows  his  gracious  ear, 

We  never  plead  in  vain ; 
Yet  we  must  wait  till  he  appear, 
And  pray,  and  pray  again. 

3  Though  unbelief  suggest, 

Why  should  we  longer  wait  ? 
He  bids  us  never  give  him  rest, 
But  be  importunate. 

*  Book  II.  Hymn  60, 


130  Luke.  Book  I. 

4  'T was  thus  a  widow  poor, 

Without  support  or  friend, 
Beset  the  unjust  judge's  door, 
And  gain'd,  at  last,  her  end. 

5  For  her  he  little  car'd, 

As  little  for  the  laws  ; 
Nor  God,  nor  man,  did  he  regard  ; 
Yet  he  espous'd  her  cause. 

6  She  urg'd  him  day  and  night, 

Would  no  denial  take  ; 
At  length  he  said,  "  I'll  do  her  right, 
"  For  my  own  quiet's  sake." 

7  And  shall  not  Jesus  hear 

His  chosen  when  they  cry  ? 
Yes,  though  he  may  a  while  forbear, 
He'll  help  them  from  on  high. 

8  His  nature,  truth,  and  love, 

Engage  him  on  their  side  ; 
When  they  are  griev'd,  his  bowels  move, 
And  can  they  be  deny'd? 

9  Then  let  us  earnest  be, 

And  never  faint  in  pray'r  ; 
He  loves  our  importunity, 

And  makes  our  cause  his  care. 

CVII.     Zaccheus.     Chap,  xix,   1 — 6. 

1  Zaccheus  climb 'd  the  tree, 

And  thought  himself  unknown  : 
But  how  surprised  was  he 

When  Jesus  call'd  him  down! 
The  Lord  beheld  him,  though  conceaPd, 
And  by  a  word  his  pow'r  reveaTd. 


Hymn  107.  Luke.  131 

2  Wonder  and  joy  at  once 

Were  painted  in  his  face  ; 
"  Does  he  my  name  pronounce, 
"  And  does  he  know  my  case  ? 
"  Will  Jesus  deign  with  me  to  dine  ? 
"  Lord,  I,  with  all  I  have,  am  thine." 

3  Thus  where  the  Gospel's  preach'd, 

And  sinners  come  to  hear, 
The  hearts  of  some  are  reach'd 

Before  they  are  aware  : 
The  word  directly  speaks  to  them, 
And  seems  to  point  them  out  by  name. 

4  'Tis  curiosity 

Oft  brings  them  in  the  way, 
Only  the  man  to  see, 

And  hear  what  he  can  say  ; 
But  how  the  sinner  starts  to  find 
The  preacher  knows  his  inmost  mind  ! 

5  His  long-forgotten  faults 

Are  brought  again  in  view, 
And  all  his  secret  thoughts 

Reveal'd  in  public  too  : 
Though  compass'd  with  a  crowd  about, 
The  searching  word  has  found  him  out. 

6  While  thus  distressing  pain 

And  sorrow  fills  his  heart, 
He  hears  a  voice  again 

That  bids  his  fears  depart : 
Then,  like  Zaccheus,-  he  is  blest, 
And  Jesus  deigns  to  be  his  guest. 


132  Luke.  Book  I. 

CVIII.      The  Believer's  Danger,  Safety,  and  Duty. 
Chap.  xxii.  31,  32. 

1  "  Simon,  beware!"  the  Saviour  said, 

"  Satan,  your  subtle  foe, 
"  Already  has  his  measures  laid 
"  Your  soul  to  overthrow. 

2  "  He  wants  to  sift  you  all  as  wheat, 

"  And  thinks  his  vict'ry  sure ; 
"  But  I  his  malice  will  defeat, 
"  My  pray'r  shall  faith  secure/ ' 

3  Believers,  tremble  and  rejoice, 

Your  help  and  danger  view  ; 

This  warning  has  to  you  a  voice, 

This  promise  speaks  to  you. 

4  Satan  beholds  with  jealous  eye, 

Your  privilege  and  joy  ; 
He's  always  watchful,  always  nigh, 
To  tear  and  to  destroy. 

5  But  Jesus  lives  to  intercede, 

That  faith  may  still  prevail ; 
He  will  support  in  time  of  need, 
And  Satan's  arts  shall  fail. 

6  Yet  let  us  not  the  warning  slight, 

But  watchful  still  be  found  ; 
Though  faith  cannot  be  slain  in  fight, 
It  may  receive  a  wound. 

7  While  Satan  watches,  dare  we  sleep  ? 

We  must  our  guard  maintain  ; 
But,  Lord,  do  thou  the  city  keep, 
Or  else  we  watch  in  vain*. 

*  Psalm  cxxvii.  1. 


Hymn  109.  Luke,  133 


CIX.     Father,  f or gi-ve  them.     Chap,  xxiii.  34. 

1  "  Father,  forgive,"  the  Saviour  said, 

"  They  know  not  what  they  do ;" 
His  heart  was  mov'd  when  thus  he  pray'd 
For  me,  my  friends,  and  you. 

2  He  saw  that  as  the  Jews  abus'd 

And  crucify'd  his  flesh ; 
So  he,  by  us,  would  be  refus'd, 
And  crucify'd  afresh. 

3  Through  love  of  sin,  we  long  were  prone 

To  act  as  Satan  bid ; 
But  now  with  grief  and  shame  we  own, 
We  knew  not  what  we  did. 

4  We  knew  not  the  desert  of  sin, 

Nor  whom  we  thus  defy'd ; 
Nor  where  our  guilty  souls  had  been, 
If  Jesus  had  not  dy'd. 

5  We  knew  not  what  a  law  we  broke, 

How  holy,  just,  and  pure  ! 
Nor  what  a  God  we  durst  provoke, 
But  thought  ourselves  secure. 

6  But  Jesus  all  our  guilt  foresaw, 

And  shed  his  precious  blood9 
To  satisfy  the  holy  law, 

And  make  our  peace  with  God. 

7  My  sin,  dear  Saviour,  made  thee  bleed, 

Yet  didst  thou  pray  for  me  ! 
I  knew  not  what  I  did,  indeed, 
When  ignorant  of  thee. 

M 


134  Info.  Book  ft 


CX.      The  Two  Malefactors.     Chap,  xxiii.  39—43. 

1  Sovereign  grace  has  pow'r  alone 
To  subdue  a  heart  of  stone  ; 

And  the  moment  grace  is  felt, 
Then  the  hardest  heart  will  melt, 

2  When  the  Lord  was  crucify 'd, 
Two  transgressors  with  him  dy'd; 
One,  with  vile  blaspheming  tongue, 
Scoff'd  at  Jesus  as  he  hung. 

3  Thus  he  spent  his  wicked  breath, 
In  the  very  jaws  of  death  ; 
Perish'd,  as  too  many  do, 
With  the  Saviour  in  his  view. 

4  But  the  other,  touch'd  with  grace, 
Saw  the  danger  of  his  case  ; 
Faith  receiv'd  to  own  the  Lord, 
Whom  the  scribes  and  priests  abhorr'd. 

5  "  Lord/'  he  pray 'd,  "  remember  me, 
"  When  in  glory  thou  shalt  be  :" — 

"  Soon  with  me,"  the  Lord  replies, 
"  Thou  shalt  rest  in  paradise." 

6  This  was  wondrous  grace  indeed, 
Grace  vouchsaf 'd  in  time  of  need  !, 
Sinners,  trust  in  Jesu's  name, 
You  shall  find  him  still  the  same. 

7  But  beware  of  unbelief, 
Think  upon  the  hardened  thief; 
If  the  Gospel  you  disdain, 
Christ;  to  you,  will  die  in  vain. 


Hymn  111.  John.  135 

JOHN, 

CXI.      The  Woman  of  Samaria.     Chap.  iv.  28. 

1  Jesus,  to  what  didst  thou  submit 

To  save  thy  dear-bought  flock  from  hell ! 
Like  a  poor  traveller,  see  him  sit, 
A  thirst  and  weary  by  the  well. 

2  The  woman  who  for  water  came, 

(What  great  events  on  small  depend,) 
Then  learnt  the  glory  of  his  name, 
The  well  of  life,  the  sinner's  friend ! 

3  Taught  from  her  birth  to  hate  the  Jews, 

And  fill'd  with  party  pride,  at  first 
Her  zeal  induc'd  her  to  refuse 

Water  to  quench  the  Saviour's  thirst. 

4  But  soon  she  knew  the  gift  of  God  ; 

And  Jesus,  whom  she  scorn'd  before, 
Unask'd,  that  drink  on  her  bestow 'd, 
Which  whoso  tastes  shall  thirst  no  more, 

5  His  words  her  prejudice  remov'd, 

Her  sin  she  felt,  relief  she  found  ; 
She  saw  and  heard,  belie  v'd  and  lov'd, 
And  ran  to  tell  her  neighbours  round  % 

6  O  come,  this  wondrous  man  behold  ! 

The  promis'd  Saviour  !  this  is  he, 
Whom  ancient  prophecies  foretold, 
Born,  from  our  guilt  to  set  us  free. 


136  John.  Book  I. 

7  Like  her,  in  ignorance  content, 

I  worshipp'd  long  I  knew  not  what ; 
Like  her,  on  other  things  intent, 

I  found  him  when  I  sought  him  not. 

8  He  told  me  all  that  e'er  I  did, 

And  told  me  all  was  pardon'd  too ; 
And  now,  like  her,  as  he  has  bid, 
I  live  to  point  him  out  to  you. 

CXII.   The  PcolofBethesda*.     Chap.  v.  3-*4. 

1  Beside  the  Gospel  pool 

Appointed  for  the  poor, 
From  year  to  year  my  helpless  soul 
Has  waited  for  a  cure. 

2  How  often  have  I  seen 

The  healing  waters  move  ; 
And  others,  round  me,  stepping  in,, 
Their  efficacy  prove  ? 

3  But  my  complaints  remain ; 

I  feel  the  very  same ; 
As  full  of  guilt,  and  fear,  and  pain, 
As  when  at  first  I  came. 

4  Oh  would  the  Lord  appear 

My  malady  to  heal ! 
Pie  knows  how  long  I've  languished  here, 
And  what  distress  I  feel. 

5  How  often  have  I  thought 

Why  should  I  longer  lie  ? 
Surely  the  mercy  I  have  sought 
Is  not  for  such  as  I. 

*  Book  III.  Hymn  7. 


Hymn  113.  John.  137 

6  But  whither  can  I  go  ? 

There  is  no  other  pool 
Where  streams  of  sov 'reign  virtue  flow 
To  make  a  sinner  whole. 

7  Here  then,  from  day  to  day, 

I'll  wait,  and  hope,  and  try ; 
Can  Jesus  hear  a  sinner  pray, 
Yet  suffer  him  to  die  ? 

8  No  :  he  is  full  of  grace  ; 

He  never  will  permit 
A  soul  that  fain  would  see  his  face, 
To  perish  at  his  feet. 

CXIII.     Another.  f 

1  Here  at.Bethesda's  pool,  the  poor, 

The  wither'd,  halt,  and  blind, 
With  waiting  hearts  expect  a  cure, 
And  free  admittance  find. 

2  Here  streams  of  wondrous  virtue  flow, 

To  heal  a  sin- sick  soul ; 
To  wash  the  filthy  white  as  snow, 
And  make  the  wounded  whole. 

3  The  dumb  break  forth  in  songs  of  praise., 

The  blind  their  sight  receive  ; 
The  cripple  runs  in  wisdom's  ways, 
The  dead  revive  arid  live  ! 

4  Restrain'd  to  no  one  case,  or  time, 

These  waters  always  move  ; 
Sinners  in  every  age  and  clime 
Their  vital  influence  prove. 
M  2 


138  John.  Book  I. 

5  Yet  numbers  daily  near  them  lie, 

Who  meet  with  no  relief; 
With  life  in  view  they  pine  and  die 
In  hopeless  unbelief. 

6  'Tis  strange  they  should  refuse  to  bathe, 

And  yet  frequent  the  pool  ; 
But  none  can  even  wish  for  faith, 
While  love  of  sin  bears  rule. 

7  Satan  their  consciences  has  seal'd, 

And  stupify'd  their  thought ; 
For  were  they  willing  to  be  heal'd, 
The  cure  would  soon  be  wrought. 

8  Do  thou,  dear  Saviour,  interpose, 

Their  stubborn  wills  constrain ; 
Or  else  to  them  the  water  flows, 
And  grace  is  preach'd,  in  vain. 

CXIV.      The  Dhcijiles  at  Sea*.     Chap.  vi.    16—21, 

1  Co n strain' d  by  their  Lord  to  embark, 

And  venture,  without  him,  to  sea ; 
The  season  tempestuous  and  dark, 

How  griev'd  the  disciples  must  be  ! 
But  though  he  remain'd  on  the  shore, 

He  spent  the  night  for  them  in  prayer  ; 
They  still  were  as  safe  as  before, 

And  equally  under  his  care. 

2  They  strove,  though  in  vain,  for  a  while, 

The  force  of  the  waves  to  withstand  ; 
But  when  they  were  weary'd  with  toil, 
They  saw  their  dear  Saviour  at  hand : 

*  Book  II.  Hymn  87\ 


Hymn  1U.  John.  139 

They  gladly  receiv'd  him  on  board, 
His  presence  their  spirits  reviv'd, 

The  sea  became  calm  at  his  word, 
And  soon  at  their  port  they  arriv'd. 

3  We,  like  the  disciples,  are  toss'd 

By  storms  on  a  perilous  deep ; 
But  cannot  be  possibly  lost, 

For  Jesus  has  charge  of  the  ship  : 
Though  billows  and  winds  are  enrag'd, 

And  threaten  to  make  us  their  sporty 
This  pilot  his  word  has  engag'd 

To  bring  us,  in  safety,  to  port. 

4  If  sometimes  we  struggle  alone, 

And  he  is  withdrawn  from  our  view ; 
It  makes  us  more  willing  to  own 

We  nothing  without  him  can  do  : 
Then  Satan  our  hopes  would  assail, 

But  Jesus  is  still  within  call ; 
And  when  our  poor  efforts  quite  fail, 

He  comes  in  good  time  and  does  all. 

5  Yet,  Lord,  we  are  ready  to  shrink, 

Unless  we  thy  presence  perceive  ; 
O  save  us,  (we  cry,)  or  we  sink, 

We  would,  but  we  cannot  believe  : 
The  night  has  been  long  and  severe, 

The  winds  and  the  seas  are  still  high, 
Dear  Saviour,  this  moment  appear, 

And  say  to  our  souls,  "  It  is  I*." 

*  Book  III.  Hymn  18. 


140  John.  Book  I. 


CXV.      Will  ye   also  go  away  ?     Chap.  vi.  67 — 69. 

1  Wh  e  n  any  turn  from  Zion's  way, 

(Alas  !  what  numbers  do  !) 
Methinks  I  hear  my  Saviour  say, 
"  Wilt  thou  forsake  me  too  ?" 

2  Ah,  Lord  !  with  such  a  heart  as  mine, 

Unless  thou  hold  me  fast, 
I  feel  I  must,  I  shall  decline, 
And  prove  like  them  at  last. 

5  Yet  thou  alone  hast  pow'r,  I  know, 
To  save  a  wretch  like  me  ; 
To  whom,  or  whither,  could  I  go, 
If  I  should  turn  from  thee  ? 

4  Beyond  a  doubt  I  rest  assur'd, 

Thou  art  the  Christ  of  God, 
Who  hast  eternal  life  secur'd 
By  promise  and  by  blood. 

5  The  help  of  men  and  angels  join'd, 

Could  never  reach  my  case  ; 
Nor  can  I  hope  relief  to  find, 
But  in  thy  boundless  grace. 

6  No  voice  but  thine  can  give  me  rest, 

And  bid  my  fears  depart ; 
No  love  but  thine  can  make  me  bless'd, 
And  satisfy  my  heart. 

7  What  anguish  has  that  question  stirr'd, 

If  I  will  aiso  go  ? 
Yet,  Lord,  relying  on  thy  word, 
I  humbly  answer,  No. 


Hymn  116.  Joint.  141 

CXVI.  The  Resurrection  and  the  Life.    Chap.  xi.  25. 

1  "  I  am,"  saithChrist,  "  your  glorious  head," 

(May  we  attention  give,) 
"  The  resurrection  of  the  dead. 
"  The  life  of  all  that  live. 

2  "By  faith  in  me  the  soul  receives 

"  New  life,  though  dead  before ; 
"  And  he  that  in  my  name  believes, 
"  Shall  live,  to  die  no  more  ! 

3  "  The  sinner,  sleeping  in  his  grave? 

"  Shall  at  my  voice  awake  ; 
"  And  when  I  once  begin  to  save-, 
"  My  work  I  ne'er  forsake." 

4  Fulfil  thy  promise,  gracious  Lord, 

On  us  assembled  here ; 
Put  forth  thy  Spirit  with  the  word. 
And  cause  the  dead  to  hear. 

5  Preserve  the  pow'r  of  faith  alive 

In  those  who  love  thy  name  ; 
For  sin  and  Satan  daily  strive 
To  quench  the  sacred  flame. 

6  Thy  pow'r  and  mercy  first  prevail'd. 

From  death  to  set  us  free  ; 
And  often  since  our  life  had  fail'd, 
If  not  renew 'd  by  thee. 

7  To  thee  we  look,  to  thee  we  bow, 

To  thee  for  help  we  call ; 
Our  life  and  resurrection  thou, 
Our  hope,  our  joy,  our  all. 


142  John,  Book  L 

CXVII.      Weeping  Mary.     Chap.  xx.   1 1  —  16. 

1  Mary  to  her  Saviour's  tomb 

Hasted  at  the  earlv  dawn  ; 
Spice  she  brought,  and  sweet  perfume  ; 

But  the  Lord  she  lov'd  was  gone. 
For  a  while  she  weeping  stood, 

Struck  with  sorrow  and  surprise, 
Shedding  tears,  a  plenteous  flood, 

For  her  heart  supply 'd  her  eyes. 

2  Jesus,  who  is  always  near, 

Though  too  often  unperceiv'd, 
Came,  his  drooping  child  to  cheer, 

Kindly  asking  why  she  griev'd. 
Though  at  first  she  knew  him  not, 

When  he  calPd  her  by  her  name, 
Then  her  griefs  were  all  forgot, 

For  she  found  he  was  the  same. 

3  Grief  and  sighing  quickly  fled, 

When  she  heard  his  welcome  voice  ; 
Just  before  she  thought  him  dead, 

Now  he  bids  her  heart  rejoice. 
What  a  change  his  word  can  make, 

Turning  darkness  into  day  ! 
You  who  weep  for  Jesu's  sake, 

He  will  wipe  your  tears  away. 

4  He  who  came  to  comfort  her, 

When  she  thought  her  all  was  lost. 
Will  for  your  relief  appear, 

Though  you  now  are  tempest-toss 'd  : 
On  his  word  your  burden  cast, 

On  his  love  your  thoughts  employ ; 
Weeping  for  a  while  my  last, 

But  the  morning  brings  the  joy. 


Hymn  119.  John.  143 

CXVIII.     C.      Lovest  thou  Me  ?      Chap,  xxi,   16. 

1  Hark,  my  soul !  it  is  the  Lord; 
'Tis  thy  Saviour,  hear  his  word ; 
Jesus  speaks  and  speaks  to  thee  : 

"  Say,  poor  sinner,  lov'st  thou  me  ? 

2  "  I  deliver 'd  thee  when  bound, 

"  And,  when  wounded,  heal'dthy  wound; 
"  Sought  thee  wand'ring,  set  thee  right, 
"  Turn'd  thy  darkness  into  light. 

3  "  Can  a  woman's  tender  care 

"  Cease  towards  the  child  she  bare  ? 
"  Yes,  she  may  forgetful  be, 
"  Yet  will  I  remember  thee. 

4  "  Mine  is  an  unchanging  love, 

"  Higher  than  the  heights  above ; 
"  Deeper  than  the  depths  beneath, 
"  Free  and  faithful,  strong  as  death. 

5  "  Thou  shalt  see  my  glory  soon, 

"  When  the  work  of  grace  is  done ; 
"  Partner  of  my  throne  shalt  be  ; 
"  Say,  poor  sinner,  lov'st  thou  me?" 

6  Lord,  it  is  my  chief  complaint, 
That  my  love  is  weak  and  faint ; 
Yet  I  love  thee  and  adore, 

Oh,  for  grace  to  love  thee  more  ! 

CXIX.     Another. 

1  'Tis  a  point  I  long  to  know, 

Oft  it  causes  anxious  thought ; 
Do  I  love  the  Lord,  or  no  ? 
Am  I  his^  or  am  I  not  ? 


14A  John,  Book  I. 

2  If  I  love,  why  am  I  thus  ? 

Why  this  dull  and  lifeless  frame  ? 
Hardly,  sure,  can  they  be  worse, 
Who  have  never  heard  his  name  ! 

3  Could  my  heart  so  hard  remain, 

Pray'r  a  task  and  burden  prove* 
Ev'ry  trifle  give  me  pain, 
If  I  knew  a  Saviour's  love  ? 

4  When  I  turn  my  eyes  within, 

All  is  dark,  and  vain,  and  wild ; 
FilPd  with  unbelief  and  sin, 
Can  I  deem  myself  a  child  ? 

5  If  I  pray,  or  hear,  or  read, 

Sin  is  mix'd  with  all  I  do  ; 
You  that  love  the  Lord  indeed, 
Tell  me,  is  it  thus  with  you  ? 

6  Yet  I  mourn  my  stubborn  will, 

Find  my  sin  a  grief  and  thrall ; 
Should  I  grieve  for  what  I  feel. 
If  I  did  not  love  at  all  ? 

7  Could  I  joy  his  saints  to  meet, 

Choose  the  ways  I  once  abhorr'd, 
Find,  at  times,  the  promise  sweet, 
If  I  did  not  love  the  Lord  ? 

8  Lord,  decide  the  doubtful  case  I 

Thou  who  art  thy  people's  sun, 
Shine  upon  thy  work  of  grace, 
If  it  be  indeed  begun. 

9  Let  me  love  thee  more  and  more. 

If  I  love  at  all,  I  pray  ; 
If  I  have  not  lov'd  before, 
Help  me  to  begin  to-day. 


Hymn  120.  Acts.  145 

ACTS. 

CXX.     The  Death  of  Stephen.     Chap.  vii.  54— -60. 

1  As  some  tall  rock  amidst  the  waves 
The  fury  of  the  tempest  braves, 
While  the  fierce  billows,  tossing  high, 
Break  at  its  foot,  and,  murm'ring,  die  : 

2  Thus,  they  who  in  the  Lord  confide, 
Though  foes  assault  on  ev'ry  side, 
Cannot  be  mov'd  or  overthrown, 
For  Jesus  makes  their  cause  his  own. 

3  So  faithful  Stephen,  undismay'd, 
The  malice  of  the  Jews  survey'd  ; 
The  holy  joy  which  filPd  his  breast, 
A  lustre  on  his  face  impress'd. 

4  "  Behold!"  he  said,  "  the  world  of  light 
"  Is  open'd  to  my  strengthen 'd  sight ; 

"  My  glorious  Lord  appears  in  view, 
"  That  Jesus  whom  ye  lately  slew.'' 

5  With  such  a  friend  and  witness  near, 
No  form  of  death  could  make  him  fear  ; 
Calm,  amidst  show'rs  of  stones,  he  kneels, 
And  only  for  his  murd'rers  feels. 

6  May  we,  by  faith,  perceive  thee  thus, 
Dear  Saviour,  ever  near  to  us  ! 

This  sight  our  peace  through  life  shall  keep, 
And  death  be  fear'd  no  more  than  sleep. 


N" 


UO  Ads.  Book  I. 

CXXI.      The   Rebel's   Surrender   to   Grace.     JLord^ 
What  wilt  thou  have  me  to  do  ?  Chap.  ix.  6. 

1  Lord,  thou  hast  won,  at  length  I  yield  ; 
My  heart,  my  mighty  grace  compell'd, 

Surrenders  all  to  thee  ; 
Against  thy  terrors  long  I  strove, 
But  who  can  stand  against  thy  love  ? 

Love  conquers  even  me. 

2  All  that  a  wretch  could  do,  I  try'd, 
Thy  patience  scorn'd,  thy  pow'r  defy'd, 

And  trampled  on  thy  laws  ; 
Scarcely  thy  martyrs  at  the  stake, 
Could  stand  more  steadfast  for  thy  sake, 

Than  I  in  Satan's  cause. 

3  But  since  thou  hast  thy  love  revealed, 
And  shown  my  soul  a  pardon  seal'd, 

I  can  resist  no  more  : 
Couldst  thou  for  such  a  sinner  bleed  ? 
Canst  thou  for  such  a  rebel  plead  ? 

I  wonder  and  adore  ! 

4  If  thou  hadst  bid  thy  thunders  roll, 
And  lightnings  flash,  to  blast  my  soul, 

I  still  had  stubborn  been  : 
But  mercy  has  my  heart  subdu'd, 
A  bleeding  Saviour  I  have  view'd, 

And  now  I  hate  my  sin. 

5  Now,  Lord,  I  would  be  thine  alone, 
Come,  take  possession  of  thine  own, 

For  thou  hast  set  me  free ; 
Rdeas'd  from  Satan's  hard  command, 
See  ail  my  powers  waiting  stand, 

To  be  employ 'd  by  thee. 


Hymn  122.  .  Acts.  147 

6  My  will  conform'd  to  thine  would  move  ; 
On  thee  my  hope,  desire,  and  love, 

In  fix'd  attention  join  ; 
My  hands,  my  eyes,  my  ears,  my  tongue, 
Have  Satan's  servants  been  too  long, 

But  now  they  shall  be  thine. 

7  And  can  I  be  the  very  same 

Who  lately  durst  blaspheme  thy  name, 

And  on  thy  Gospel  tread  ? 
Surely  each  one  who  hears  my  case, 
Will  praise  thee,  and  confess  thy  grace 

Invincible  indeed ! 

CXXII.  Peter  released  from  Prison.  Chapxii,  3— -8. 

1  Fervent,  persevering  pray 'rs 

Are  faith's  assur'd  resource  ; 
Brazen  gates  and  iron  bars 

In  vain  withstand  their  force : 
Peter,  when  in  prison  cast, 

Though  by  soldiers  kept  with  care, 
Though  the  doors  were  bolted  fast, 

Was  soon  releas'd  by  pray'r. 

2  While  he  slept,  an  angel  came, 

And  spread  a  light  around, 
Touch'd,  and  calPd  him  by  his  name, 

And  rais'd  him  from  the  ground  ; 
All  his  chains  and  fetters  burst, 

Ev'ry  door  wide  open  flew ; 
Peter  thought  he  dream'd  at  first, 

But  found  the  vision  true. 

3  Thus  the  Lord  can  make  a  way 

To  bring  his  saints  relief ; 
'Tis  their  part  to  wait  and  pray, 
In  spite  of  unbelief : 


148  Acts.  Book  I. 

He  can  break  through  walls  of  stone, 
Sink  the  mountain  to  a  plain  ; 

They  to  whom  his  name  is  known 
Can  never  pray  in  vain. 

4  Thus,  in  chains  of  guilt  and  sin, 

Poor  sinners  sleeping  lie ; 
No  alarm  is  felt  within, 

Although  condemn'd  to  die ; 
Till  descending  from  above, 

(Mercy  smiling  in  his  eyes,) 
Jesus,  with  a  voice  of  love, 

Awakes,  and  bids  them  rise. 

5  Glad  the  summons  they  obey, 

And  liberty  desire ; 
Straight  their  fetters  melt  away, 

Like  wax  before  the  fire  : 
By  the  word  of  him  who  dy'd, 

Guilty  pris'ners  to  release, 
Ev'ry  dcor  flies  open  wide, 

And  they  depart  in  peace. 

CXXIII.    The  trembling  Gaoler.  Chap.  xvi.  29 — 31. 

1  A  believer,  free  from  care, 

May  in  chains  or  dungeons  sing, 
If  the  Lord  be  with  him  there, 

And  be  happier  than  a  king  : 
Paul  and  Silas,  thus  confin'd, 

Though  their  backs  were  torn  by  whips, 
Yet  possessing  peace  of  mind, 

Sung  his  praise  with  joyful  lips. 

2  Suddenly  the  prison  shook, 

Open  flew  the  iron  doors  ; 
And  the  gaoler,  terror-struck, 
Now  his  captives'  help  implores  : 


Hymn  124.  Arts.  U9 

Trembling  at  their  feet  he  fell, 
"  Tell  me  sirs,  what  must  I  do 

"  To  be  sav'd  from  guilt  and  hell  ? 
"  None  can  tell  me  this  but  you.  * 

3  "  Look  to  Jesus,"  they  reply 'd, 

"  If  in  him  thou  canst  believe, 
"  By  the  death  which  he  has  dy'd, 

"  Thou  salvation  shalt  receive." 
While  the  living  word  he  heard, 

Faith  sprung  up  within  his  heart, 
And,  releas'd  from  all  he  fear'd, 

In  their  joy  his  soul  had  part. 

4  Sinners,  Christ  is  still  the  same  ; 

O  that  you  could  likewise  fear ! 
Then  the  mention  of  his  name 

Would  be  music  to  your  ear  : 
Jesus  rescues  Satan's  slaves, 

His  dear  wounds  still  plead,  "  Forgive  !'* 
Jesus  to  the  utmost  saves ; 

Sinners,  look  to  him  and  live. 


CXXIV.     The  Exorcists.     Chap.  xix.  13— 16. 

1  When  the  apostle  wonders  wrought, 

And  heal'a  the  sick  in  Jesu's  name, 
The  sons  of  Sceva  vainly  thought 
That  they  had  pow'r  to  do  the  same. 

2  On  one  possess'd  they  try'd  their  art, 

And,  naming  Jesus  preach'd  by  Paulj 
They  charg'd  the  spirit  to  depart, 
Expecting  he'd  obey  their  call. 

N  2 


150  Acts.  Book  I. 

3  The  spirit  answered,  with  a  mock, 

"  Jesus  I  know,  and  Paul  I  know  ; 
"  I  must  have  gone  if  Paul  had  spoke  ; 
"  But  who  are  ye  that  bid  me  go  ?" 

4  With  fury  then  the  man  he  fill'd, 

Who  on  the  poor  pretenders  flew  ; 
Naked  and  wounded,  almost  kill'd, 
They  fled  in  ail  the  people's  view. 

5  Jesus  !  that  name,  pronounc'd  by  faith, 

Is  full  of  wonder-working  pow'r  ; 
It  conquers  Satan,  sin,  and  death, 

And  cheers  in  trouble's  darkest  hour. 

6  But  they  who  are  not  born  again, 

Know  nothing  of  it  but  the  sound  ; 
They  do  but  take  his  name  in  vain, 

When  most  their  zeal  and  pains  abound. 

7  Satan  their  vain  attempts  derides, 

Whether  they  talk,  or  pray,  or  preach  ; 
Long  as  the  love  of  sin  abides, 

His  pow'r  is  safe  beyond  their  reach. 

8  But  you,  believers,  may  rejoice, 

Satan  well  knows  your  mighty  Friend  ; 
He  trembles  at  your  Saviour's  voice, 
And  owns  he  cannot  gain  his  end. 


CXXV.     Paul's    Voyage.     Chap,  xxvii. 

If  Paul  in  Caesar's  court  must  stand, 
He  need  not  fear  the  sea  ;  r 

Secur'd  from  harm  on  ev'ry  hand 
By  the  divine  decree. 


Hymn  125.  Acts.  151 

2  Although  the  ship,  in  which  he  sail'd, 

By  dreadful  storms  was  toss'd  ; 
The  promise  over  all  prevail'd, 
And  not  a  life  was  lost. 

3  Jesus !  the  God  whom  Paul  ador'd, 

Who  saves  in  time  of  need ; 
Was  then  confess'd,  by  all  on  board, 
A  present  help  indeed  ! 

4  Though  neither  sun  nor  stars  were  seen^ 

Paul  knew  the  Lord  was  near  ; 
And  faith  preserv'd  his  soul  serene,, 
When  others  shook  for  fear. 

5  Believers  thus  are  toss'd  about, 

On  life's  tempestuous  main  ; 
But  grace  assures,  beyond  a  doubt, 
They  shall  their  port  attain. 

6  They  must,  they  shall,  appear  one  day, 

Before  their  Saviour's  throne  ; 
The  storms  they  meet  with  by  the  way, 
But  make  his  power  known. 

7  Their  passage  lies  across  the  brink 

Of  many  a  threat 'ning  wave ; 
The  world  expects  to  see  them  sink, 
But  Jesus  lives  to  save. 

8  Lord,  though  we  are  but  feeble  worms, 

Yet  since  thy  word  is  past, 
We'll  venture  through  a  thousand  storms 
To  see  thy  face  at  last. 


lo2  Romans.  Book  I. 

ROMANS. 

CXXVI.      The  good  that    I  would,  I  do   not. 
Ch.  vii.  19. 

1  I  would,  but  cannot  sing, 

Guilt  has  untun'd  my  voice ; 
The  serpent  sin's  envenom'd  sting 
Has  poison'd  all  my  joys. 

2  I  know  the  Lord  is  nigh, 

And  would,  but  cannot  pray  ; 
For  Satan  meets  me  when  I  try, 
And  frights  my  soul  away. 

3  I  would,  but  can't  repent, 

Though  I  endeavour  oft ; 
This  stony  heart  can  ne'er  relent 
Till  Jesus  make  it  soft. 

4  I  would,  but  cannot  love, 

Though  woo'd  by  love  divine  ; 
No  arguments  have  pow'r  to  move 
A  soul  so  base  as  mine. 

5  I  would,  but  cannot  rest 

In  God's  most  holy  will ; 
I  know  what  he  appoints  is  best, 
Yet  murmur  at  it  still. 

6  Oh  could  I  but  believe ! 

Then  all  would  easy  be  ; 
I  would,  but  cannot — Lord,  relieve ; 
My  help  must  come  from  thee !    . 

7  But  if  indeed  I  would, 

Though  I  can  nothing  do ; 
Yet  the  desire  is  something  good, 
For  which  my  praise  is  due. 


Hymn  12?.  Romans.  158 

1  By  nature  prone  to  ill, 

Till  thine  appointed  hour, 
I  was  as  destitute  of  will, 
As  now  I  am  of  pow'r. 

9  Wilt  thou  not  crown  at  length 
The  work  thou  hast  begun  ? 
And  with  a  will,  afford  me  strength 
In  all  thy  ways  to  run. 

CXXVII.       Salvation  drawing  nearer,     Chaji. 
xiii.  11,  12. 

\  Darkness  overspreads  us  here, 

But  the  night  wears  fast  away ; 
Jacob's  Star  will  soon  appear, 

Leading  on  eternal  day  1 
Now  'tis  time  to  rouse  from  sleep, 

Trim  our  lamps,  and  stand  prepar'd ; 
For  our  Lord  strict  watch  to  keep, 

Lest  he  finds  us  off  our  guard. 

2  Let  his  people  courage  take, 

Bear  with  a  submissive  mind 
All  they  suffer  for  his  sake, 

Rich  amends  they  soon  will  find  : 
He  will  wipe  away  their  tears, 

Near  himself  appoint  their  lot ; 
All  their  sorrows,  pains,  and  fears, 

Quickly  then  will  be  forgot. 

3  Though  already  sav'd  by  grace, 

From  the  hour  we  first  belie v'd ; 
Yet,  while  sin  and  war  have  place, 
We  have  but  a  part  receiv'd ; 


154  1  Corinthians.  Book  I. 

Still  we  for  salvation  wait, 

Ev'ry  hour  it  nearer  comes ! 
Death  will  break  the  prison  gate. 

And  admit  us  to  our  homes. 

4  Sinners,  what  can  you  expect, 

You  who  now  the  Saviour  darcr 
Break  his  laws,  his  grace  reject, 

You  must  stand  before  his  bar  ! 
Tremble,  lest  he  say,  Depart ! 

Oh  the  horrors  of  that  sound  ! 
Lord,  make  ev'ry  careless  heart 

Seek  thee  while  thou  mayst  be  found. 

I.  CORINTHIANS. 

CXXVIII.     That  Rock  was  Christ.     Chap.  x.  4. 

1  Wh  e  n  Israel's  tribes  were  parch'd  with  thirst, 
Forth  from  the  rock  the  waters  burst ; 
And  all  their  future  journey  through 
Yielded  them  drink,  and  Gospel  too ! 

2  In  Moses'  rod  a  type  they  saw 
Of  his  severe  and  fiery  law  ; 
The  smitten  rock  prefigur'd  him 

From  whosepierc'd  side  all  blessings  stream. 

3  But,  ah !  the  types  were  all  too  faint, 
His  sorrows  or  his  worth  to  paint ;  • 
Slight  was  the  stroke  of  Moses*  rod, 
But  he  endur'd  the  wrath  of  God. 

4  Their  outward  rock  could  feel  no  pain, 
But  ours  was  wounded,  torn,  and  slain ; 
The  rock  gave  but  a  wat'ry  flood,. 

But  Jesus  pour'd  forth  streams  of  blood. 


Hymn  129.  2  Corinthians.  155 

5  The  earth  is  like  their  wilderness, 

A  land  of  drought  and  sore  distress  ; 
Without  one  stream,  from  pole  to  pole; 
To  satisfy  a  thirsty  soul. 

6  But  let  the  Saviour's  praise  resound  ; 
In  him  refreshing  streams  are  found, 
Which  pardon,  strength,  and  comfort  give  ; 
And  thirsty  sinners  drink  and  live. 

II.  CORINTHIANS. 

CXXIX.     My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee.     Chap. 
f  xii.  9. 

1  Oppress* d  with  unbelief  and  sin, 
Fightings  without,  and  fears  within  ; 
While  earth  and  hell,  with  force  combin'd, 

?  Assault  and  terrify  my  mind. 

2  What  strength  have  I  against  such  foes, 
Such  hosts  and  legions  to  oppose  ? 
Alas  !  I  tremble,  faint,  and  fall ; 
Lord,  save  me,  or  I  give  up  all. 

3  Thus  sorely  prest,  I  sought  the  Lord, 
To  give  me  some  sweet,  cheering  word ; 
Again  I  sought,  and  yet  again  ; 

I  waited  long,  but  not  in  vain. 

4  Oh !  'twas  a  cheering  word  indeed  ! 
Exactly  suited  to  my  need  : 

"  Sufficient  for  thee  is  my  grace, 

"  Thy  weakness  my  great  pow'r  displays." 

5  Now  I  despond  and  mourn  no  more, 
I  welcome  ail  I  fear'd  before  ; 

Tho'  weak,  I'm  strong ;  the'  troubl'd,  blest; 
For  Christ's  own  pow'r  shall  on  me  rest. 


156  Galatians.  Book  1. 

G  My  grace  would  soon  exhausted  be, 
But  his  is  boundless  as  the  sea ; 
Then  let  me  boast,  with  holy  Paul, 
That  I  am  nothing,  Christ  is  all. 

GALATIANS. 

CXXX.      The  inward  Warfare.     Chap.  v.  17. 

1  Strange  and  mysterious  is  my  life, 

What  opposites  I  feel  within  ! 
A  stable  peace,  a  constant  strife  ; 

The  rule  of  grace,  the  pow'r  of  sin  : 
Too  often  I  am  captive  led, 
Yet  daily  triumph  in  my  head. 

2  I  prize  the  privilege  of  pray 'r, 

But,  oh  !  what  backwardness  to  pray  ! 
Though  on  the  Lord  I  cast  my  care, 

I  feel  its  burden  ev'ry  day  ; 
I  seek  his  will  in  ail  I  do, 
Yet  find  my  own  is  working  too. 

3  I  call  the  promises  my  own, 

And  prize  them  more  than  mines  of  gold; 
Yet  though  their  sweetness  I  have  known, 
They  leave  me  unimpress'd  and  cold  : 
One  hour  upon  the  truth  I  feed, 
The  next  I  know  not  what  I  read.  • 

4  I  love  the  holy  day  of  rest, 

When  Jesus  meets  his  gathered  saints  ; 
Sweet  day,  o-  all  the  week  the  best ! 

For  its  return  my  spirit  pants  : 
Yet  often,  through  nry  unbelief, 
It  proves  a  day  of  guilt  and  grief. 


Hymn  131.  FhWppians.  i<$ 

5  While  on  my  Saviour  I  rely, 

I  know  my  foes  shall  lose  their  aim ; 
And  therefore  dare  their  pow'r  defy, 

Assur'd  of  conquest  through  his  name : 
But  soon  my  confidence  is  slain, 
And  all  my  fears  return  again. 

6  Thus  diff'rent  pow'rs  within  me  strive, 

And  grace  and  sin  by  turns  prevail ; 
I  grieve,  rejoice,  decline,  revive, 

And  vict'ry  hangs  in  doubtful  scale  : 
But  Jesus  has  his  promise  past, 
That  grace  shall  overcome  at  last. 

PHILIPPIANS. 

CXXXI.      C.      Contentment*.     Chap.  iv.   11. 

1  Fierce  passions  discompose  the  mind, 

As  tempests  vex  the  sea ; 
But  calm  content  and  peace  we  find, 
When,  Lord,  we  turn  to  thee. 

2  In  vain,  by  reason  and  by  rule, 

We  try  to  bend  the  will ; 
For  none  but  in  the  Saviour's  school 
Can  learn  the  heavenly  skill. 

3  Since  at  his  feet  my  soul  has  sat, 

His  gracious  words  to  hear ; 
Contented  with  my  present  state, 
I  cast  on  him  my  care. 

4  "  Art  thou  a  sinner,  soul  V1  he  said, 

"  Then  how  canst  thou  complain? 
"  How  light  thy  troubles  here,  ifweigh'd, 
"  With  everlasting  pain ! 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  55. 
O 


158  Hebrews.  Book  I. 

5  "  If  thou  of  murmuring  wouldst  be  cur'd, 

"  Compare  thy  griefs  with  mine ; 
"  Think  what  my  love  for  thee  endur'd, 
"  And  thou  wilt  not  repine. 

6  "  'Tis  I  appoint  thy  daily  lot, 

"  And  I  do  all  things  well ; 
"  Thou  soon  shalt  leave  this  wretched  spot, 
"  And  rise  with  me  to  dwell. 

7  "  In  life  my  grace  shall  strength  supply, 

"  Proportion'd  to  thy  day  ; 
"  At  death  thou  still  shalt  find  me  nigh, 
"  To  wipe  thy  tears  away.'' 

8  Thus  I,  who  once  my  wretched  days 

In  vain  repinings  spent, 
Taught  in  my  Saviour's  school  of  grace, 
Have  learn'd  to  be  content. 

HEBREWS. 

CXXXII.     C.      Old  Testament  Gospel.     Ch.  iv.   2. 

1  Israel,  in  ancient  days, 

Not  only  had  a  view 
Of  Sinai  in  a  blaze, 

But  learn'd  the  Gospel  too  : 
The  types  and  figures  were  a  glass, 
In  which  they  saw  the  Saviour's  face. 

2  The  paschal  sacrifice, 

And  blood-besprinkled  door*, 
Seen  with  enlighten'd  eyes, 

And  once  apply 'd  with  pow'r, 
Would  teach  the  need  of  other  blood, 
To  reconcile  an  angry  God. 

*  Exodus  xii.  13. 


Hymn  133.  Hebrews.  159 

3  The  lamb,  the  dove,  set  forth 

His  perfect  innocence*, 
Whose  blood  of  matchless  worth, 

Should  be  the  soul's  defence  ; 
For  he  who  can  for  sin  atone, 
Must  have  no  failings  of  his  own. 

4  The  scape-goat  on  his  headf 

The  people's  trespass  bore  ; 
And,  to  the  desert  led, 

Was  to  be  seen  no  more  : 
In  him  our  Surety  seem'd  to  say, 
"  Behold,  I  bear  your  sins  away." 

5  Dipt  in  his  fellow's  blood, 

The  living  bird  went  freej  ; 
The  type,  well  understood, 

Express'd  the  sinner's  plea ; 
Describ'd  a  guilty  soul  enlarg'd, 
And  by  a  Saviour's  death  discharg'd. 

6  Jesus,  I  love  to  trace 

Throughout  the  sacred  page, 
The  footsteps  of  thy  grace. 
The  same  in  ev'ry  age  ! 

0  grant  that  I  may  faithful  be 

To  clearer  light,  vouchsaf  d  to  me  ! 

CXXXIII.      The    Word  quick  and  powerful. 
Chap.  iv.    12,    13. 

1  The  word  of  Christ,  our  Lord, 

With  whom  we  have  to  do, 
Is  sharper  than  a  two-edg'd  sword, 
To  pierce  the  sinner  through ! 

*  Lev.  xii.  6.     f  Lev.  xvi.  21.     \  Lev.  xiv.  5 1—53, 


160  Hebreivs.  Book  1 

2  Swift  as  the  lightning's  blaze, 

When  awful  thunders  roll, 
It  fills  the  conscience  with  amaze, 
And  penetrates  the  soul. 

3  No  heart  can  be  conceal 'd 

From  his  all-piercing  eyes ; 
Each  thought  and  purpose  stands  reveal'd, 
Naked,  without  disguise. 

4  He  sees  his  people's  fears, 

He  notes  their  mournful  cry ; 
He  counts  their  sighs  and  falling  tears, 
And  helps  them  from  on  high. 

5  Though  feeble  is  their  good, 

It  has  its  kind  regard  ; 
Yea,  all  they  would  do,  if  they  could, 
Shall  find  a  sure  reward*. 

6  He  sees  the  wicked  too, 

And  will  repay  them  soon, 
For  all  the  evil  deeds  they  do, 
And  all  they  would  have  donef. 

7  Since  all  our  secret  ways 

Are  mark'd  and  known  by  thee. 
Afford  us,  Lord,  thy  light  of  grace, 
That  we  ourselves  may  see. 

CXXXIV.     Looking  unto  Jesus.     Chap.  xii.  2. 

1  By  various  maxims,  forms,  and  rules, 
That  pass  for  wisdom  in  the  schools, 
I  strove  my  passion  to  restrain ; 
But  all  my  efforts  prov'd  m  vain. 

•    1    Rings  viii.  13.  t  Matth.  v.  28. 


Hymn  134.  Hebrews.  161 

2  But  since  the  Saviour  I  have  known , 
My  rules  are  all  reduced  to  one, 

To  keep  my  Lord,  by  faith,  in  view ; 
This  strength  supplies,  and  motives  too, 

3  I  see  him  lead  a  suffering  life, 
Patient  amidst  reproach  and  strife ; 
And  from  his  pattern  courage  take 
To  bear,  and  suffer,  for  his  sake. 

4  Upon  the  cross  I  see  him  bleed, 
And  by  the  sight  from  guilt  am  freed  ; 
This  sight  destroys  the  life  of  sin, 
And  quickens  heav'nly  life  within. 

5  To  look  to  Jesus  as  he  rose, 
Confirms  my  faith,  disarms  my  foes  ; 
Satan  I  shame  and  overcome, 

By  pointing  to  my  Saviour's  tomb. 

6  Exalted  on  his  glorious  throne, 

I  see  him  make  my  cause  his  own  ; 
Then  all  my  anxious  cares  subside, 
For  Jesus  lives  and  will  provide. 

7  I  see  him  look  with  pity  down, 

And  hold  in  view  the  conqu'ror's  crown ; 
If  press'd  with  griefs  and  cares  before, 
My  soul  revives,  nor  asks  for  more. 

8  By  faith  I  see  the  hour  at  hand, 
When  in  his  presence  I  shall  stand ; 
Then  it  will  be  my  endless  bliss, 
To  see  him  where,  and  as  he  is. 


O  2 


162  ILtbravs.  Book  I, 


CXXXV.     Love  Tokens.     Chap.   xii.   5—11. 

1  Af f  l  i  c  t i  o  n  s  do  not  come  alone, 

A  voice  attends  the  rod  ; 
By  both  he  to  his  saints  is  known, 
A  Father  and  a  God  ! 

2  "  Let  not  my  children  slight  the  stroke 

"  I  for  chastisement  send  ; 
"  Nor  faint  beneath  my  kind  rebuke, 
"  For  still  I  am  their  Friend. 

3  "  The  wicked  I  perhaps  may  leave 

"  A  while  and  not  reprove  ; 
"  But  all  the  children  I  receive 
"  I  scourge,  because  I  love. 

A  "  If,  therefore,  you  were  left  without 
"  This  needful  discipline, 
"  You  might  with  cause  admit  a  doubt 
"  If  you,  indeed,  were  mine. 

5  "  Shall  earthly  parents  then  expect 

"  Their  children  to  submit  ? 
"  And  will  not  you,  when  I  correct, 
"  Be  humbled  at  my  feet  ? 

6  "  To  please  themselves  they  oft  chastise, 

"  And  put  their  sons  to  pain ; 

"  But  you  are  precious  in  my  eyes, 

"  And  shall  not  smart  in  vain. 

7  "  I  see  your  hearts  at  present  fill'd 

"  With  grief  and  deep  distress  ; 
"  But  soon  these  bitter  seeds  shall  yield 
"  The  fruits  of  righteousness. 


Hymn  13G.  Revelation.  1G3 

8  Break  through  the  clouds,  dear  Lord,  and 
Let  us  perceive  thee  nigh  !  [shine ! 

And  to  each  mourning  child  of  thine 
These  gracious  words  apply. 

REVELATION. 

CXXXVL      Ephesus.      Chap.  ii.  1—7. 

1  Thus  saith  the  Lord  to  Ephesus, 
And  thus  he  speaks  to  some  of  us  : 
"  Amidst  my  churches,  lo  !  I  stand, 
"  And  hold  the  pastors  in  my  hand. 

2  "  Thy  works  to  me  are  fully  known, 
"  Thy  patience,  and  thy  toil  I  own  ; 

"  Thy  views  of  Gospel-truth  are  clear, 
"  Nor  canst  thou  other  doctrine  bear. 


"  Yet  I  must  blame,  while  I  approve  ; 
"  Where  is  thy  first,  thy  fervent  love  ? 
"  Dost  thou  forget  my  love  to  thee, 
"  That  thine  is  grown  so  faint  to  me  ? 

"  Recall  to  mind  the  happy  days 

' 6  When  thou  wast  fill  'd  with  j  oy  and  praise ; 

"  Repent,  thy  former  works  renew, 

"  Then  I'll  restore  thy  comforts  too. 

5  "  Return  at  once,  when  I  reprove, 
"  Lest  I  thy  candlestick  remove ; 

"  And  thou,  too  late,  thy  loss  lament, 
"  I  warn  before  I  strike — Repent.'' 

6  Hearken  to  what  the  Spirit  saith, 
To  him  that  overcomes  by  faith, 
"  The  fruit  of  life's  unfading  tree, 
"  In  Paradise  his  food  shall  be." 


164j  Revelation.  Bouk  I 


CXXXVII.     Smyrna.     Chap.  ii.  8—1  1 . 

1  The  message  first  to  Smyrna  sent, 

A  message  full  of  grace, 
To  all  the  Saviour's  flock  is  meant, 
In  every  age  and  place. 

2  Thus  to  his  church,  his  chosen  bride, 

Saith  the  great  First  and  Last, 
Who  ever  lives,  though  once  he  died, 
"  Hold  thy  profession  fast. 

3  "  Thy  works  and  sorrow  well  I  know, 

"  Perform 'd  and  borne  for  me  ; 
"  Poor  though  thou  art,  despis'd  and  low, 
"  Yet  who  is  rich  like  thee  ? 

4  "I  know  thy  foes,  and  what  they  say, 

u  How  long  they  have  blasphem'd ; 
"  The  synagogue  of  Satan  they, 

"  Though  they  would  Jews  be  deem'd. 

5  "  Though  Satan  for  a  season  rage, 

1 '  And  prisons  be  your  lot, 
u  I  am  your  Friend,  and  I  engage 
"You  shall  not  be  forgot. 

6  "  Be  faithful  unto  death,  nor  fear 

"  A  few  short  days  of  strife ;    , 
"  Behold  !  the  prize  you  soon  shall  wear, 
"  A  crown  of  endless  life !" 

7  Hear  what  the  Holy  Spirit  saith 

Of  all  who  overcome ; 
u  They  shall  escape  the  second  death, 
"  The  sinner's  awful  doom  ! •' 


Hymn  139.  Revelation.  1G5 

CXXXVIII.  C.   Sardis.     Chap.  iii.   1—6. 

1  "  Writs  to  Sardis,"  saith  the  Lord, 

"  And  write  what  he  declares, 
"  He  whose  Spirit,  and  whose  word, 

"  Upholds  the  seven  stars  : 
"  All  thy  works  and  ways  I  search, 

"  Find  thy  zeal  and  love  decay 'd ; 
"  Thou  art  cali'd  a  living  church, 

"  But  thou  art  cold  and  dead. 

2  "  Watch,  remember,  seek,  and  strive, 

"  Exert  thy  former  pains  : 
"  Let  thy  timely  care  revive, 

"  And  strengthen  what  remains  : 
"  Cleanse  thine  heart,  thy  works  amend, 

"  Former  times  to  mind  recall, 
"  Lest  my  sudden  stroke  descend, 

"  And  smite  thee  once  for  all. 

3  "  Yet  I  number  now  in  thee 

"  A  few  that  are  upright ; 
"  These  my  Father's  face  shall  see, 

"  And  walk  with  me  in  white  : 
"  When  in  judgment  I  appear, 

"  They  for  mine  shall  be  confest ; 
"  Let  my  faithful  servants  hear, 

"  And  wo  be  to  the  rest." 

CXXXIX.     Philadelphia.  Chap.  iii.  7— 13. 

1  Thus  saith  the  holy  One  and  true, 
To  his  beloved,  faithful  few, 
"  Of  heav'n  and  hell  I  hold  the  keys, 
"  To  shut,  or  open,  as  I  please. 


1G6  Revelation.  Book  I. 

2  "  I  know  thy  works,  and  I  approve, 

"  Tho'  small  thy  strength,  sincere  thy  love  ; 
"  Go  on,  my  word  and  name  to  own, 
"  For  none  shall  rob  thee  of  thy  crown. 

3  "  Before  thee  see  my  mercy's  door 

"  Stands  open  wTide  to  shut  no  more  ; 
"  Fear  not  temptation's  fiery  day, 
"  For  I  will  be  thy  strength  and  stay. 

4  "  Thou  hast  my  promise,  hold  it  fast, 
"  The  trying  hour  will  soon  be  past : 
"  Rejoice,  for,  lo  !   I  quickly  come, 

"  To  take  thee  to  my  heav'nly  home. 

5  "  A  pillar  there  no  more  to  move, 

"  Inscribed  with  all  my  names  of  love  ; 
"  A  monument  of  mighty  grace, 
"  Thou  shalt  for  ever  have  a  place." 

6  Such  is  the  conqueror's  reward, 
Prepar'd  and  promis'd  by  the  Lord  ! 
Let  him  that  hath  the  ear  of  faith 
Attend  to  what  the  Spirit  saith. 


CXL.     Laodicea.     Chap.  iii.    14 — .20. 

1  Hear  what  the  Lord,  the  great  Amen, 

The  true  and  faithful  witness  sajrs ! 
He  form'd  the  vast  creation's  plan, 
And  searches  all  our  hearts  and  Avays. 

2  To  some  he  speaks  as  once  of  old, 

"  I  know  thee,  thy  profession's  vain  ; 
"  Since  thou  art  neither  hot  nor  cold, 
"  I'll  spit  thee  from  me  with  disdain. 


Hymn  141.  Revelation.  1G7 

3  "  Thou  boastest  6  I  am  wise  and  rich, 

"  Increas'd  in  goods,  and  nothing  need;' 
"  And  dost  not  know  thou  art  a  wretch, 
"  Naked,  and  poor,  and  blind,  and  dead. 

4  "  Yet  while  I  thus  rebuke,  I  love, 

"  My  message  is  in  mercy  sent ; 
"  That  thou  mayst  my  compassion  prove, 
"  I  can  forgive,  if  thou  repent. 

5  "  Would' st  thou  be  truly  rich  and  wise  ? 

"  Come,  buy  m}^  gold  in  fire  well  try'd, 
"  My  ointment  to  anoint  thine  eyes, 
"  My  robe  thy  nakedness  to  hide. 

6  "  See  at  thy  door  I  stand  and  knock  ! 

"  Poor  sinner,  shall  I  wait  in  vain  ? 
"  Quickly  thy  stubborn  heart  unlock, 
"  That  I  may  enter  with  my  train. 

7  "  Thou  canst  not  entertain  a  king, 

"  Unworthy  thou  of  such  a  guest ! 
"  But  I  my  own  provisions  bring, 
"  To  make  thy  soul  a  heav'nly  feast." 

CXLI.      The  Little  Book*.     Chap.  x. 

1  When  the  belov'd  disciple  took 
The  angel's  little,  open  book, 
Which  by  the  Lord's  command  he  eat, 
It  tasted  bitter  after  sweet. 

2  Thus  when  the  Gospel  is  embrac'd, 
At  first  'tis  sweeter  to  the  taste 
Than  honey  or  the  honey -comb, 
But  there's  a  bitterness  to  come. 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  27. 


lGS  Revelation.  Book  I. 

3  What  sweetness  does  the  promise  yield, 
When  by  the  Spirit's  power  seal'd  ? 
The  longing  soul  is  filPd  with  good, 
Nor  feels  a  wish  for  other  food. 

4  By  these  inviting  tastes  allur'd, 
We  pass  to  what  must  be  endur'd  ; 
For  soon  we  find  it  is  decreed, 
That  bitter  must  to  sweet  succeed. 

5  When  sin  revives  and  shows  its  pow'r, 
When  Satan  threatens  to  devour, 
When  God  afflicts,  and  men  revile, 
We  draw  our  steps  with  pain  and  toil. 

6  When  thus  deserted,  tempest-tost, 
The  sense  of  former  sweetness  lost, 
We  tremble  lest  we  were  deceiv'd 
In  thinking  that  we  once  belie v'd. 

7  The  Lord  first  makes  the  sweetness  known, 
To  win  and  fix  us  for  his  own; 

And  though  we  now  some  bitter  meet, 
We  hope  for  everlasting  sweet. 


OLNEY  HYMNS, 

BOOK  II. 

ON  OCCASIONAL  SUBJECTS. 

I.    SEASONS.  I    m.    PROVIDENCES. 

H.    ORDINANCES.  |    IV.    CREATION. 

I.  SEASONS. 
NEW-YEAR'S  HYMNS. 

I.    Time  hoiv  swift. 


Wi 


HILE  with  ceaseless  course  the  sun 

Hasted  through  the  former  year, 
Many  souls  their  race  have  run, 

Never  more  to  meet  us  here  ; 
Fix'd  in  an  eternal  state, 

They  have  done  with  all  below ; 
We  a  little  longer  wait, 

But  how  little — none  can  know. 

As  the  winged  arrow  flies, 

Speedily  the  mark  to  find ; 
As  the  lightning  from  the  skies 

Darts,  and  leaves  no  trace  behind  ; 
Swiftly  thus  our  fleeting  days 

Bear  us  down  life's  rapid  stream  ; 
Upwards,  Lord,  our  spirits  raise, 

All  below  is  but  a  dream. 
P 


170  Seasons.  Book  II. 

3  Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive, 

Pardon  of  our  sins  renew ; 
Teach  us,  henceforth,  how  to  live 

With  eternity  in  view : 
Bless  thy  word  to  young  and  old, 

Fill  us  with  a  Saviour's  love  ; 
And  when  life's  short  tale  is  told, 

May  we  dwell  with  thee  above. 


II.   Time  how  short. 

1  Time,  with  an  unwearied  hand, 

Pushes  round  the  seasons  past ; 
And  in  life's  frail  glass  the  sand 

Sinks  apace,  not  long  to  last : 
Many,  who,  as  you  and  I, 

The  last  year  assembled  thus, 
In  their  silent  graves  now  lie  ; 

Graves  will  open  soon  for  us ! 

2  Daily  sin,  and  care,  and  strife, 

While  the  Lord  prolongs  our  breath, 
Make  it  but  a  dying  life, 

Or  a  kind  of  living  death  : 
Wretched  they  and  most  forlorn, 

Who  no  better  portion  know ; 
Better  ne'er  to  have  been  bornr 

Than  to  have  our  all  below. 

3  When  constraint  to  go  alone, 

Leaving  all  you  love  behind, 
Ent'ring  on  a  world  unknown, 

What  will  then  support  ^our  mind  ? 


Hymn  3.  Seasons,  17 1 

When  the  Lord  his  summons  sends*, 
Earthly  comforts  lose  their  pow'r ; 

Honour,  riches,  kindred,  friends, 
Cannot  cheer  a  dying  hour. 

4  Happy  souls  who  fear  the  Lord  ; 

Time  is  not  too  swift  for  you  ; 
When  your  Saviour  gives  the  word, 

Glad  you'll  bid  the  world  adieu  : 
Then  he'll  wipe  away  your  tears, 

Near  himself  appoint  your  place  ; 
Swifter  fly,  ye  rolling  years, 

Lord,  we  long  to  see  thy  face. 


III.      Uncertainty  of  Life, 

See  !  another  year  is  gone ! 

Quickly  have  the  seasons  pass'd ! 
This  we  enter  now  upon 

May  to  many  prove  their  last : 
Mercy  hitherto  has  spar'd, 

But  have  mercies  been  improved  ? 
Let  us  ask,  Am  I  prepar'd, 

Should  I  be  this  year  remov'd  ? 

Some  we  now  no  longer  see, 

Who  their  mortal  race  have  run, 
Seem'd  as  fair  for  life  as  we, 

When  the  former  year  begun : 
Some,  but  who  God  only  knows, 

Who  are  here  assembled  now, 
Ere  the  present  year  shall  close, 

To  the  stroke  of  death  must  bow, 

■■*  Isaiah  x.  3. 


172  Seasons.  Book  II. 

3  Life  a  field  of  battle  is, 

Thousands  fall  within  our  view  ; 
And  the  next  death-bolt  that  flies, 

May  be  sent  to  me  or  you  : 
While  we  preach,  and  while  we  hear, 

Help  us,  Lord,  each  one  to  think, 
Vast  eternity  is  near, 

I  am  standing  on  the  brink. 

4  If  from  guilt  and  sin  set  free, 

By  the  knowledge  of  thy  grace, 
Welcome,  then,  the  call  will  be 

To  depart  and  see  thy  face  : 
To  thy  saints,  while  here  below, 

With  new  years  new  mercies  come ; 
But  the  happiest  year  they  know 

Is  their  last,  which  leads  them  home. 

IV.     A  jYew-Year's  Thought  and  Prayer. 

1  Time,  by  moments,  steals  away, 
First  the  hour  and  then  the  day  ; 
Small  the  daily  loss  appears, 
Yet  it  soon  amounts  to  years  : 
Thus  another  year  is  flown, 
Now  it  is  no  more  our  own, 

If  it  brought  or  promis'd  good, 
Than  the  years  before  the  flood. 

2  But,  (may  none  of  us  forget,) 
It  has  left  us  much  in  debt ; 
Favours  from  the  Lordreceiv'd, 
Sins  that  have  his  Spirit  griev'd, 
Mark'd  by  an  unerring  hand, 
In  his  book  recorded  stand ; 
"Who  can  tell  the  vast  amount, 
Plac'd  to  each  of  our  account  ? 


Hymn  5.  Seasons.  273 

3  Happy  the  believing  soul ! 
Christ  for  you  has  paid  the  whole  ; 
While  you  own  the  debt  is  large, 
You  may  plead  a  full  discharge  : 
But,  poor  careless  sinner,  say, 
What  can  you  to  justice  pay  ? 
Tremble,  lest  when  life  is  past, 
Into  prison  you  be  cast ! 

4  Will  you  still  increase  the  score  ? 
Still  be  careless  as  before  ? 

Oh !  forbid  it,  gracious  Lord, 
Touch  their  spirits  by  thy  word ! 
Now,  in  mercy,  to  them  show 
What  a  mighty  debt  they  owe  ! 
All  their  unbelief  subdue  ; 
Let  them  find  forgiveness  too. 

5  Spar'd  to  see  another  year, 
Let  thy  blessing  meet  us  here  ; 
Come,  thy  dying  work  revive, 
Bid  thy  drooping  garden  thrive  : 
Sun  of  righteousness,  arise  ! 
Warm  our  hearts  and  bless  our  eyes  ; 
Let  our  pray'r  thy  bowels  move, 
Make  this  year  a  time  of  love. 

V.     Death  and  War.      1778. 

1  Hark  !  how  time's  wide-sounding  bell 
Strikes  on  each  attentive  ear ! 
Tolling  loud  the  solemn  knell 

Of  the  late  departed  year : 
Years,  like  mortals,  wear  away^ 
Have  their  birth  and  dying  day, 
Youthful  spring,  and  wintry  age, 
Then  to  others  quit  the  stage. 

P  2  : 


174  Seasons.  Book  II. 

2  Sad  experience  may  relate 

W  hat  a  year  the  last  has  been  ! 
Crops  of  sorrow  have  been  great, 

From  the  fruitful  seeds  of  sin : 
Oh  !  what  numbers,  gay  and  blithe, 
Fell  by  death's  unsparing  scythe  ? 
While  they  thought  the  world  their  own, 
Suddenly  he  mow'd  them  down. 

3  See  how  war,  with  dreadful  stride, 

Marches  at  the  Lord's  command, 
Spreading  desolation  wide, 

Through  a  once  much-favour'd  land : 
War,  with  heart  and  arms  of  steel, 
Preys  on  thousands  at  a  meal ; 
Daily  drinking  human  gore, 
Still  he  thirsts  and  calls  for  more. 

4  If  the  God  whom  we  provoke, 

Hither  should  his  way  direct ; 
What  a  sin- avenging  stroke 

May  a  land  like  this  expect ! 
They  who  now  securely  sleep, 
Quickly  then  would  wake  and  weep ; 
And  too  late  would  learn  to  fear, 
When  they  saw  the  danger  near. 

5  You  are  safe  who  know  his  love, 

He  will  all  his  truth  perform ;  • 
To  your  souls  a  refuge  prove 

From  the  rage  of  ev'ry  storm  : 
But  we  tremble  for  the  youth ; 
Teach  them,  Lord,  thy  saving  truth ; 
Join  them  to  thy  faithful  few, 
Be  to  them  a  refuge  too. 


Hyiim  6.  Seasons.  175 

VI.     Earthly  Prosfiects  Deceitful. 

1  Or  t  in  vain  the  voice  of  truth 

Solemnlv  and  loudlv  warns ; 
Thoughtless,  unexperienc'd  youth, 

Though  it  hears,  the  warning  scorns  : 
Youtii  in  fancy's  glass  surveys 

Life  prolong'd  to  distant  years, 
While  the  vast  imagin'd  space 

Fill'd  with  sweets  and  joys  appears. 

2  Awful  disappointment  soon 

Overclouds  the  prospect  gay ; 
Some  their  sun  goes  down  at  noon, 

Torn  by  death's  strong  hand  away : 
Where  are  then  their  pleasing  schemes  ? 

Where  the  joys  they  hop'd  to  find  ? 
Gone  for  ever  like  their  dreams, 

Leaving  not  a  trace  behind. 

3  Others,  who  are  spar'd  a  while, 

Live  to  weep  o'er  fancy's  cheat ; 
Find  distress,  and  pain,  and  toil, 

Bitter  things  instead  of  sweet : 
Sin  has  spread  a  curse  around, 

Poison 'd  all  things  here  below  : 
On  this  base,  polluted  ground 

Peace  and  joy  can  never  grow. 

4  Grace  alone  can  cure  our  ills, 

Sweeten  life  with  all  its  cares, 
Regulate  our  stubborn  wills, 

Save  us  from  surrounding  snares  : 
Though  you  oft  have  heard  in  vain, 

Former  years  in  folly  spent, 
Grace  invites  you  yet  again, 

Once  more  calls  you  to  repent. 


176  Seasons.  Book  II. 

5  Call'd  again,  at  length  beware, 

Hear  the  Saviour's  voice  and  live ; 
Lest  he  in  his  wrath  should  swear, 

He  no  more  will  warning  give  : 
Pray  that  you  may  hear  and  feel, 

Ere  the  day  of  grace  be  past ; 
Lest  your  hearts  grow  hard  as  stce), 

Or  this  year  should  prove  your  last. 


HYMNS 

BEFORE    ANNUAL    SERMONS     TO     YOUNG 
PEOPLE,    ON    NEW-YEARS'    EVENINGS. 

VII.     Prayer  for  a  Blessing. 

1  Now,  gracious  Lord,  thine  arm  reveal, 

And  make  thy  glory  known  ; 
Now  let  us  all  thy  presence  feel, 
And  soften  hearts  of  stone  ! 

2  Help  us  to  venture  near  thy  throne, 

And  plead  a  Saviour's  name ; 
For  all  that  we  can  call  our  own, 
Is  vanity  and  shame. 

3  From  all  the  guilt  of  former  sin 

May  mercy  set  us  free ; 
And  let  the  year  we  now  begin, 
Begin  and  end  with  thee. 

4  Send  down  thy  Spirit  from  above, 

That  saints  may  love  thee  more  ; 
And  sinners  now  may  learn  to  love. 
Who  never  lov'd  before. 


Hymn  8.  Seasons.  177 

5  And  when  before  thee  we  appear, 
In  our  eternal  home, 
May  growing  numbers  worship  here, 
And  praise  thee  in  our  room. 


VIII.     C.     Another. 

1  Bestow,  dear  Lord,  upon  our  youth 

The  gift  of  saving  grace  ; 
And  let  the  seed  of  sacred  truth 
Fall  in  a  fruitful  place. 

2  Grace  is  a  plant,  where'er  it  grows, 

Of  pure  and  heav'nly  root ; 
But  fairest  in  the  youngest  shows, 
And  yields  the  sweetest  fruit. 

3  Ye  careless  ones,  O  hear  betimes 

The  voice  of  so v 'reign  love  ! 
Your  youth  is  stain'd  with  many  crimes, 
But  mercy  reigns  above. 

4  True,  you  are  young,  but  there's  a  stone 

Within  the  youngest  breast, 
Or  half  the  crimes  which  you  have  done, 
Would  rob  you  of  your  rest. 

5  For  you  the  public  pray'r  is  made, 

Oh !  join  the  public  pray'r ! 
For  you  the  secret  tear  is  shed, 
O  shed  yourselves  a  tear ! 

6  We  pray  that  you  may  early  prove 

The  Spitit's  power  to  teach ; 
You  cannot  be  too  young  to  love 
That  Jesus  whom  we  preach. 


178  Seasons.  Book  II. 


IX.     Another. 


1  Now  may  fervent  pray'r  arise, 
Wing'd  with  faith,  and  pierce  the  skies  ; 
Fervent  pray'r  shall  bring  us  down 
Gracious  answers  from  the  throne. 

2  Bless,  O  Lord,  the  op'ning  year, 
To  each  soul  assembled  here ; 
Clothe  thy  word  with  pow'r  divine, 
Make  us  willing  to  be  thine. 

3  Shepherd  of  thy  blood-bought  sheep  ! 
Teach  the  stony  heart  to  weep ; 

Let  the  blind  have  eyes  to  see, 
See  themselves,  and  look  on  thee  ! 

4  Let  the  minds  of  all  our  youth 
Feel  the  force  of  sacred  truth  ; 
While  the  Gospel  call  they  hear, 
May  they  learn  to  love  and  fear* 

5  Show  them  what  their  ways  have  been, 
Show  them  the  desert  of  sin  ; 

Then  thy  dying  love  reveal, 
This  shall  melt  a  heart  of  steel. 

6  Where  thou  hast  thy  work  begun, 
Give  new  strength  the  race  to  run ; 
Scatter  darkness,  doubts,  and  fears, 
Wipe  away  the  mourner's  tears. 

7  Bless  us  all,  both  old  and  young ; 
Call  forth  praise  from  ev'ry  tongue ; 
Let  the  whole  assembly  prove 

All  thy  power,  and  all  thy  love. 


Hymn  10.  Seasons*  179 

X.      Casting  the  Gospel  Net. 

1  When  Peter,  through  the  tedious  night*? 

Had  often  cast  his  net  in  vain ;   • 
Soon  as  the  Lord  appear'd  in  sight, 
He  gladly  let  it  down  again. 

2  Once  more  the  Gospel  net  we  cast, 

Do  thou,  O  Lord,  the  effort  own  ; 
We  leam,  from  disappoinments  past, 
To  rest  our  hope  on  thee  alone. 

3  Upheld  by  thy  supporting  hand, 

We  enter  on  another  year ; 
And  now  we  meet  at  thy  command, 
To  seek  thy  gracious  presence  here. 

4  May  this  be  a  much-favour'd  hour 

To  souls  in  Satan's  bondage  led ; 
O  clothe  thy  word  with  sovereign  pow'r, 
To  break  the  rocks,  and  raise  the  dead  ! 

5  Have  mercy  on  our  num'rous  youth, 

Who,  young  in  years,  are  old  in  sin  ; 
And  by  thy  Spirit,  and  thy  truth, 

Show  them  the  state  their  souls  are  in. 

6  Then,  by  a  Saviour's  dying  love, 

To  ev'ry  wounded  heart  reveal'd, 
Temptations,  fears,  and  guilt  remove, 
And  be  their  Sun ,  and  Strength,  and  Shield. 

7  To  mourners  speak  a  cheering  word, 

On  seeking  souls  vouchsafe  to  shine ; 
Let  poor  backsliders  be  restor'd, 
And  all  thy  saints  in  praises  join, 

*  Luke  v.  4.  #~ 


180  Seasons.  Book  II. 

8  O  hear  our  pray'r,  and  give  us  hope, 

That  when  thy  voice  shall  call  us  home, 
Thou  still  wilt  raise  a  people  up, 
To  love  and  praise  thee  in  our  room. 


XI.     C.     Pleading  for  and  with  Youth. 

1  Sin  has  undone  our  wretched  race, 

But  Jesus  has  restor'd 
And  brought  the  sinner  face  to  face 
With  his  forgiving  Lord. 

2  This  we  repeat,  from  year  to  year, 

And  press  upon  our  youth  ; 
Lord,  give  them  an  attentive  ear  ; 
Lord,  save  them  by  thy  truth. 

3  Blessings  upon  the  rising  race  ! 

Make  this  a  happy  hour, 
According  to  thy  richest  grace, 
And  thine  almighty  pow'r. 

4  We  feel  for  your  unhappy  state, 

(May  you  regard  it  too,) 
And  would  a  while  ourselves  forget 
To  pour  out  pray'r  for  you. 

5  We  see,  though  you  perceive  it  not, 

Th'  approaching,  awful  doom  ; 
O  tremble  at  the  solemn  thought, . 
And  flee  the  wrath  to  come  ! 

6  Dear  Saviour,  let  this  new-born  year 

Spread  an  alarm  abroad, 
And  cry,  in  ev'ry  careless  ear, 
"  Prepare  to  meet  thy  God  !" 


Hymn  13.  Seasons.  181 

XII.     C.     Prayer  for  Children. 

1  Gracious  Lord,  our  children  see, 
By  thy  mercy  we  are  free  ; 

But  shall  these,  alas  !  remain, 
Subjects  still  of  Satan's  reign  : 
Israel's  young  ones,  when  of  old 
Pharaoh  threat'ned  to  withhold*  * 
Then  thy  messenger  said,  "  No ; 
"  Let  the  children  also  go." 

2  When  the  angel  of  the  Lord, 
Drawing  forth  his  dreadful  sword, 
Slew,  with  an  avenging  hand, 

All  the  first-born  of  the  land ; 
Then  thy  people's  doors  he  pass'd, 
Where  the  bloody  sign  was  plac'df  ; 
Hear  us,  now,  upon  our  knees,  • 
Plead  the  blood  of  Christ  for  these  ! 

3  Lord,  we  tremble,  for  we  know 
How  the  fierce,  malicious  foe, 
Wheeling  round  his  watchful  flight, 
Keeps  them  ever  in  his  sight : 
Spread  thy  pinions,  King  of  kings ; 
Hide  them  safe  beneath  thy  wings ; 
Lest  the  rav'nous  bird  of  prey 
Stoop,  and  bear  the  brood  away. 

XIII.      The  Shunamite%. 

1  The  Shunamite,  oppress'd  with  grief, 
When  she  had  lost  the  son  she  lov'd, 
Went  to  Elisha  for  relief, 

Nor  vain  her  application  prov'd. 

*  Exodus  x.  9.  f  Exodus  xii,  13.  \  2  Kings  iv.  31. 

Q 


182  Seasons,  Book  II. 

2  He  sent  his  servant  on  before, 

To  lay  a  staff  upon  his  head ; 
This  he  could  do,  but  do  no  more  ; 
He  left  him,  as  he  found  him,  dead. 

3  But  when  the  Lord's  almighty  pow'r 

Wrought  with  the  prophet's  pray'r  and 
The  mother  saw  a  joyful  hour,  [faith y 

She  saw  her  child  restor'd  from  death. 

4  Thus,  like  the  weeping  Shunamite, 

For  many  dead  in  sin  we  grieve  ; 
Now,  Lord,  display  thine  arm  of  might, 
Cause  them  to  hear  thy  voice  and  live. 

5  Thy  preachers  bear  the  staff  in  vain, 

Though  at  thine  own  command  we  go  ; 
Lord,  we  have  tryM  and  try'd  again, 
We  find  them  dead,  and  leave  them  so. 

6  Come  then  thyself — to  evVy  heart 

The  glory  of  thy  name  make  known  ; 
The  means  are  our  appointed  part, 
The  pow'r  and  grace  are  thine  alone. 

XIV.     Elijah's  Prayer*. 

1  Does  it  not  grief  and  wonder  move, 

To  think  of  Israel's  shameful  fall  ? 
Who  needed  miracles  to  prove    , 

Whether  the  Lord  was  God,  or  Baal ! 

2  Methinks  I  see  Elijah  stand, 

His  features  glow  with  love  and  zeal ; 
In  faith  and  pray'r  he  lifts  his  hand, 
And  makes  to  Heav'n  his  great  appeal. 

*    1   Kings  xviii. 


Hymn  15.  Seasons.  133 

3  "  O  God !  if  I  thy  servant  am, 

"  If  'tis  thy  message  fills  my  heart, 
"  Now  glorify  thy  holy  name, 

"  And  show  this  people  who  thou  art !" 

4  He  spake,  and,  lo  !  a  sudden  flame 

Consumed  the  wood,  the  dust,  the  stone; 
The  people  struck,  at  once  proclaim, 
"  The  Lord  is  God,  the  Lord  alone.'' 

5  Like  him,  we  mourn  an  awful  day, 

When  more  for  Baal  than  God  appear ; 
Like  him,  believers,  let  us  pray, 
And  may  the  God  of  Israel  hear ! 

6  Lord,  if  thy  servant  speak  thy  truth, 

If  he  indeed  is  sent  by  thee ; 
Confirm  the  word  to  all  our  youth, 
And  let  them  thy  salvation  see. 

7  Now  may  thy  Spirit's  holy  fire 

Pierce  ev'ry  heart  that  hears  thy  word, 
Consume  each  hurtful,  vain  desire, 

And  make  them  know  thou  art  the  Lord. 

XV.     Preaching  to  the  dry  Bones*. 

1  Preachers  may  from  Ezekiel's  case, 

Draw  hope  in  this  declining  day  : 

A  proof,  like  this,  of  sov'reign  grace 

Should  chase  our  unbelief  away. 

2  When  sent  to  preach  to  mould 'ring  bones, 

Who  could  have  tho't  he  would  succeed? 
JBut  well  he  knew  the  Lord  from  stones 
Could  raise  up  Abr 'ham's  chosen  seed. 

*  Ezek.  xxxvii. 


184  Seasons.  Book  II. 

3  Can  these  be  made  a  numerous  host, 

And  such  dry  bones  new  life  receive  ? 

The  prophet  answer'd, "  Lord  thou  know'st 

"  They  shall,  if  thou  commandment  give." 

4  Like  him  around  I  cast  my  eye, 

And,  oh  !  what  heaps  of  bones  appear  ; 
Like  him,  by  Jesus  sent,  I'll  try, 
For  he  can  cause  the  dead  to  hear. 

5  Hear,  ye  dry  bones,  the  Saviour's  word  ! 

He,  who  when  dying  gasp'd,  "  Forgive,'* 
That  gracious  sinner-loving  Lord, 
Says,  "  Look  to  me,  dry  bones,  and  live." 

6  Thou  heav'nly  wind  awake  and  blow, 

In  answer  to  the  pray'r  of  faith ; 
Now  thine  almighty  influence  show, 
And  fill  dry  bones  with  living  breath. 

7  O  make  them  hear,  and  feel,  and  shake, 

And,  at  thy  call,  obedient  move  ; 
The  bonds  of  death  and  Satan  break, 
And  bone  to  bone  unite  in  love. 

XVI.      The  Rod  of  Moses. 

1  Wh'e  n  Moses  wav'd  his  mystic  rod 

What  wonders  follow'd  while  he  spoke  ! 
Firm  as  a  wall  the  waters  stood*, , 
Or  gush'd  in  rivers  from  the  rockf . 

2  At  his  command  the  thunders  roll'd, 

Lightning  and  hail  his  voice  obey'df , 
And  Pharaoh  trembled  to  behold 
His  land  in  desolation  laid. 

*  Exod.  xiv.  2  1.     t  Num.  xx.  11.     J  Exod.  ix.  23. 


Hymn  17.  Seasons.  135 

3  But  what  could  Moses'  rod  have  done, 

Had  he  not  been  divinely  sent  ? 

The  pow'r  was  from  the  Lord  alone, 

And  Moses  but  the  instrument. 

4  O  Lord,  regard  thy  people's  pray'rs  ! 

Assist  a  worm  to  preach  aright : 
And,  since  thy  Gospel  rod  he  bears, 
Display  thy  wonders  in  our  sight. 

5  Proclaim  the  thunders  of  thy  law, 

Like  lightning  let  thine  arrows  fry, 
That  careless  sinners,  struck  with  awe, 
For  refuge  may  to  Jesus  cry. 

6  Make  streams  of  godly  sorrow  flow, 

From  rocky  hearts,  unus'd  to  feel ; 
And  let  the  poor  in  spirit  know 

That  thou  art  near,  their  griefs  to  heal. 

7  But  chiefiy,  we  would  now  look  up 

To  ask  a  blessing  for  our  youth, 
The  rising  generations'  hope, 

That  they  may  know  and  love  thy  truth. 

8  Arise,  O  Lord,  afford  a  sign, 

Now  shall  our  pray'rs  success  obtain ; 
Since  both  the  means  and  pow'r  are  thine, 
How  can  the  rod  be  rais'd  in  vain  ? 

XVII.      God  speaking  from  Mount  Zion. 

1  The  God  who  once  to  Israel  spoke 
From  Sinai's  top,  in  fire  and  smoke. 
In  gentler  strains  of  Gospel  grace 
Invites  us  now  to  seek  his  face. 

Q  2 


18G  Seasons,  Book  II. 

2  He  wears  no  terrors  on  his  brow, 
He  speaks,  in  love,  from  Zion  now  ; 
It  is  the  voice  of  Jesus'  blood 
Calling  poor  wand'rers  home  to  God. 

3  The  holy  Moses  quak'd  and  fear'd 
When  Sinai's  thund'ring  law  he  heard ; 
But  reigning  grace,  with  accents  mild, 
Speaks  to  the  sinner  as  a  child. 

4  Hark  !  how  from  Calvary  it  sounds, 
From  the  Redeemer's  bleeding  wounds ! 
"  Pardon  and  grace  I  freely  give, 

"  Poor  sinner,  look  to  me,  and  live." 

5  What  other  arguments  can  move 
The  heart  that  slights  a  Saviour's  love  ! 
Yet,  till  almighty  pow'r  constrain, 
This  matchless  love  is  preach'd  in  vain. 

6  O  Saviour,  let  that  pow'r  be  felt, 
And  cause  each  stony  heart  to  melt ! 
Deeply  impress  upon  our  youth 
The  light  and  force  of  Gospel  truth. 

7  With  this  new  year  may  they  begin 
To  live  to  thee,  and  die  to  sin ; 

To  enter  by  the  narrow  way 
Which  leads  to  everlasting  day.    * 

8  How  will  they  else  thy  presence  bear 
When,  as  a  Judge,  thou  shalt  appear  ! 
When  slighted  love  to  wrath  shall  turn, 
And  the  whole  earth  like  Sinai  burn ! 


Hymn  IS.  Seasons.  187 

XVIII.  A  Prayer  for  Power  on  the  Means  of  Grace, 

1  O  thou,  at  whose  almighty  word 

The  glorious  light  from  darkness  sprung  ! 

Thy  quick'ning  influence  afford, 
And  clothe  with  pow'r  the  preacher's  tongue, 

2  Though  'tis  thy  truth  he  hopes  to  speak, 
He  cannot  give  the  hearing  ear  ; 

'Tis  thine  the  stubborn  heart  to  break, 
And  make  the  careless  sinner  fear. 

3  As  when,  of  old,  the  water  flow'd 
Forth  from  the  rock  at  thy  command*; 

Moses  in  vain  had  wav'd  his  rod, 
Without  thy  wonder-working  hand. 

4  As  when  the  walls  of  Jericho, 
Down  to  the  earth  at  once  were  castf ; 

It  was  thy  pow'r  that  brought  them  low, 
And  not  the  trumpet's  feeble  blast. 

5  Thus  we  would  in  the  means  be  found, 
And  thus  on  thee  alone  depend  ; 

To  make  the  Gospel's  joyful  sound 
Effectual  to  the  promis'd  end. 

6  Now,  while  we  hear  thy  word  of  grace, 
Let  self  and  pride  before  it  fall ; 

And  rocky  hearts  dissolve  apace, 
In  streams  of  sorrow  at  thy  call. 

7  On  all  our  youth  assembled  here 
The  unction  of  thy  Spirit  pour  ; 

Nor  let  them  lose  another  year, 
Lest  thou  shouldst  strive  and  call  no  more* 
*  Numbers  xx.  11.  t  Joshua  vi.  20. 


1SS  Seasons.  Book  II. 

-  XIX.     Elijah's  Mantle.     2  Kings  ii.  11 — 14. 

1  E  l  i  s  h  a  ,  struck  with  grief  and  awe, 

Cry'd,  "  Ah!  where  now  is  Israel's  stay?'' 
When  he  his  honour'd  master  saw 
Borne  by  a  fiery  car  away. 

2  But  while  he  look'd  a  last  adieu, 

His  mantle,  as  it  fell,  he  caught ; 
The  Spirit  rested  on  him  too, 
And  equal  miracles  he  wrought. 

3  "  Where  is  Elijah's  God  ?"  he  cry'd, 

And  with  the  mantle  smote  the  flood  ; 
His  word  controll'd  the  swelling  tide, 
Th'  obedient  waters  upright  stood. 

4  The  wonder-working  Gospel  thus, 

From  hand  to  hand,  has  been  convey 'd  ; 
We  have  the  mantle  still  with  us, 

But  where,  O  where  the  Spirit's  aid. 

5  When  Peter  first  his  mantle  wav'd*, 

How  soon  it  melted  hearts  of  steel ! 
Sinners,  by  thousands,  then  were  sav'd, 
But  now  how  few  its  virtues  feel ! 

6  Where  is  Elijah's  God,  the  Lord  ! 

Thine  Israel's  hope,  and  joy,  and  boast  ! 
Reveal  thine  arm,  confirm  thy  word, 
Give  us  another  Pentecost ! 

7  Assist  thy  messenger  to  speak, 

And,  while  he  aims  to  lisp  thy  truth, 
The  bonds  of  sin  and  Satan  break,    - 
And  pour  thy  blessing  on  our  youth. 

*  Act3  ji. 


Hymn  20.  Seasons.  189 

8  For  them  we  now  approach  thy  throne, 
Teach  them  to  know  and  love  thy  name ; 
Then  shall  thy  thankful  people  own 
Elijah's  God  is  still  the  same. 


HYMNS 

AFTER  SERMONS  TO  YOUNG  PEOPLE,  ON  NEW  YEARS1 
EVENINGS,  SUITED  TO  THE  SUBJECTS. 

XX.  David's  Charge  to  Solomon.   1  Chron.  xxviii.  9. 

1  O  David's  Son,  and  David's  Lord  ! 

From  age  to  age  thou  art  the  same  ; 
Thy  gracious  presence  now  afford, 

And  teach  our  youth  to  know  thy  name. 

2  Thy  people,  Lord,  though  oft  distrest, 

Upheld  by  thee  thus  far  are  come  ; 
And  now  we  long  to  see  thy  rest, 
And  wait  thy  word  to  call  us  home. 

3  Like  David,  when  this  life  shall  end, 

We  trust  in  thee,  sure  peace  to  find  ; 
Like  him  to  thee  we  now  commend 
The  children  we  must  leave  behind. 

4  Ere  long,  we  hope  to  be  where  care, 

And  sin,  and  sorrow,  never  come  ; 
But,  oh  !  accept  our  humble  pray'r 

That  these  may  praise  thee  in  our  room. 

5  Show  them  how  vile  they  are  by  sin, 

And  wash  them  in  thy  cleansing  blood ; 
Oh  !  make  them  willing  to  be  thine, 
And  be  to  them  a  cov'nant  God. 


190  Seasons.  Book  II. 

6  Long  may  thy  light  and  truth  remain, 
To  bless  this  place  when  we  are  gone  ; 
And  numbers  here  be  born  again, 
To  dwell  for  ever  near  thy  throne. 

XXI.      The  Lord's  Call  to  his  Children.     2  Cor.  vi. 
17,  18. 

1  Let  us  adore  the  grace  that  seeks 

To  draw  our  hearts  above  ! 
Attend,  'tis  God  the  Saviour  speaks, 
And  ev'ry  word  is  love. 

2  Though  fill'd  with  awe,  before  his  throne 

Each  angel  veils  his  face  ; 

He  claims  a  people  for  his  own 

Amongst  our  sinful  race. 

3  Careless  a  while  they  live  in  sin, 

Enslav'd  to  Satan's  power ; 
But  they  obey  the  call  divine, 
In  his  appointed  hour. 

4  "  Come  forth/'  he  says,  "  no  more  pursue 

"  The  paths  that  lead  to  death  ; 
"  Look  up,  a  bleeding  Saviour  view, 
"  Look,  and  be  sav'd  by  faith. 

5  "  My  sons  and  daughters  you  shall  be 

"  Through  the  atoning  blood  ; 
"  And  you  shall  claim,  and  find  in  me, 
"  A  Father,  and  a  God." 

6  Lord,  speak  these  words  to  ev'ry  heart, 

By  thine  all-powerful  voice ; 
That  we  may  now  from  sin  depart, 
And  make  thy  love  our  choice. 


Hymn  22.  Seasons.  191 

7  If  now  we  learn  to  seek  thy  face 
By  Christ  the  living  way, 
We'll  praise  thee  for  this  hour  of  grace, 
Through  an  eternal  day. 

XXII.      The  Prayer  of  Jabez.      1   Chron.  iv.  9,    10. 

1  Jesus,  who  bought  us  with  his  blood, 

And  makes  our  souls  his  care, 
Was  known  of  old  as  Israel's  God, 
And  answer'd  Jabez'  pray'r. 

2  Jabez  !  a  child  of  grief !  the  name 

Befits  poor  sinners  well ; 
For  Jesus  bore  the  cross  and  shame, 
To  sav  e  our  souls  from  hell. 

3  Teach  us,  O  Lord,  like  him  to  plead 

For  mercies  from  above  : 
O  come,  and  bless  our  souls  indeed, 
With  light,  and  joy,  and  love. 

4  The  Gospel's  promis'd  land  is  wide, 

We  fain  would  enter  in  ; 
But  we  are  press'd  on  every  side 
With  unbelief  and  sin. 

5  Arise,  O  Lord,  enlarge  our  coast, 

Let  us  possess  the  whole, 
That  Satan  may  no  longer  boast, 
He  can  thy  work  control. 

6  Oh  !  may  thy  hand  be  with  us  still, 

Our  guide  and  guardian  be, 
To  keep  us  safe  from  ev'ry  ill, 
Till  death  shall  set  us  free. 


192  Seasons.  Book  II. 

7  Help  us  on  thee  to  cast  our  care, 
And  on  thy  word  to  rest, 
That  Israel's  God,  who  heareth  pray'r, 
Will  grant  us  our  request. 

XXIII.       Waiting  at  Wisdom's  Gates.      Prov.  \iii. 
34,  35. 

1  Ensnar'd  too  long  my  heart  has  been 

In  folly's  hurtful  ways ; 
Oh !  may  I  now,  at  length,  begin 
To  hear  what  Wisdom  says  1 

2  'Tis  Jesus,  from  the  mercy- seat, 

Invites  me  to  his  rest ; 
He  calls  poor  sinners  to  his  feet, 
To  make  them  truly  blest. 

3  Approach,  my  soul,  to  Wisdom's  gates, 

While  it  is  cali'd  to-day  ; 
No  one  who  watches  there,  and  waits, 
Shall  e'er  be  turn'd  away. 

4  He  will  not  let  me  seek  in  vain  ; 

For  all  who  trust  his  word 
Shall  everlasting  life  obtain, 
And  favour  from  the  Lord. 

5  Lord,  I  have  hated  thee  too  long, 

And  dar'd  thee  to  thy  face  ; 
I've  done  my  soul  exceeding  wrong- 
In  slighting  all  thy  grace. 

6  Now  I  would  break  my  league  with  death, 

And  live  to  thee  alone  ; 
Oh  !  let  thy  Spirit's  seal  of  faith 
Secure  me  for  thine  own. 


Hymn  24.  Seasons.  103 

7  Let  all  the  saints  assembled  here, 
Yea,  let  all  heav'n  rejoice, 
That  I  begin  with  this  new  year 
To  make  the  Lord  my  choice. 


XXIV.     Asking  the  Way  to  Zion.     Jer.  1.  5. 

1  Zion,  the  city  of  our  God, 

How  glorious  is  the  place  ! 
The  Saviour  there  has  his  abode, 
And  sinners  see  his  face ! 

2  Firm  against  ev'ry  adverse  shock, 

Its  mighty  bulwarks  prove  ; 
'Tis  built  upon  the  living  Rock, 
And  wall'd  around  with  love. 

3  There  all  the  fruits  of  glory  grow, 

And  joys  that  never  die  ; 
And  streams  of  grace  and  knowledge  flow, 
The  soul  to  satisfy. 

4  Come,  set  your  faces  Zion- ward, 

The  sacred  road  inquire ; 
And  let  a  union  to  the  Lord 
Be  henceforth  your  desire. 

5  The  Gospel  shines  to  give  you  light, 

No  longer,  then,  delay  ; 
The  Spirit  waits  to  guide  you  right, 
And  Jesus  is  the  way. 

6  O  Lord,  regard  thy  people's  pray'r, 

Thy  promise  now  fulfil ; 
And  young  and  old  by  grace  prepare 
To  dwell  on  Zion's  hill. 
R 


194  Seaso?is.  Book  II. 

XXV.       We  were  Pharaoh's  Bondmen.      Deut.  vi. 
20 — 23. 

1  Beneath  the  tyrant  Satan's  yoke, 

Our  souls  were  long  opprest ; 
Till  grace  our  galling  fetters  broke, 
And  gave  the  weary  rest. 

2  Jesus,  in  that  important  hour, 

His  mighty  arm  made  known  ; 
He  ransom 'd  us  by  price  and  pow'r, 
And  claim'd  us  for  his  own. 

3  Now,  freed  from  bondage,  sin,  and  death, 

We  walk  in  wisdom's  ways  ; 
And  wish  to  spend  our  ev'ry  breath 
In  wonder,  love,  and  praise. 

4  Ere  long,  we  hope  with  him  to  dwell 

In  yonder  world  above  ; 
And  now  we  only  live  to  tell 
The  riches  of  his  love. 

5  O  might  we,  ere  we  hence  remove, 

Prevail  upon  our  youth 
To  seek,  that  they  may  likewise  prove, 
His  mercy  and  his  truth. 

6  Like  Simeon,  we  shall  gladly  go*, 

When  Jesus  calls  us  home ; 
If  they  are  left  a  seed  below, 
To  serve  him  in  our  room. 

7  Lord,  hear  our  pray'r,  indulge  our  hope, 

On  these  thy  Spirit  pour, 
That  they  may  take  our  story  up, 
When  we  can  speak  no  more. 

*  Luke  ii.  29. 


Hymn  26.  Seasons.  195 

XXVI.      Travailling  in  Birth  for  Souls.    Gal.  iv.  19. 

1  What  contradictions  meet 

In  ministers '  employ  ! 
It  is  a  bitter  sweet, 

A  sorrow  full  of  joy  : 
No  other  post  affords  a  place 
For  equal  honour  or  disgrace  ! 

2  Who  can  describe  the  pain 

Which  faithful  preachers  feel, 
Constrain'd  to  speak  in  vain, 
To  hearts  as  hard  as  steel ! 
Or  who  can  tell  the  pleasures  felt, 
When  stubborn  hearts  begin  to  melt  L 

3  The  Saviour's  dying  love, 

The  soul's  amazing  worth, 
Their  utmost  efforts  move, 

And  draw  their  bowels  forth : 
They  pray  and  strive,  their  rest  departs, 
Till  Christ  be  form'd  in  sinners'  hearts. 


4  If  some  small  hope  appear, 
They  still  are  not  content ; 

But  with  a  jealous  fear, 
They  watch  for  the  event : 
Too  oft  they  find  their  hopes  deceiv'd, 
Then  how  their  inmost  souls  are  griev'd ! 

5  But  when  their  pains  succeed, 

And  from  the  tender  blade 
The  rip'ning  ears  proceed, 

Their  toils  are  overpaid  : 
No  harvest -joy  can  equal  theirs, 
To  find  the  fruit  of  all  their  cares. 


190  Seasons.  Book  II. 

6  On  what  has  now  been  sown, 
Thy  blessing,  Lord,  bestow ; 
The  pow'r  is  thine  alone, 

To  make  it  spring  and  grow : 
Do  thou  the  gracious  harvest  raise, 
And  thou  alone  shalt  have  the  praise. 

XXVII.      We  are  Ambassadors  for  Christ. 
2  Cor,  v.  20. 

1  Thy  message  by  the  preacher  seal, 

And  let  thy  pow'r  be  known, 
That  ev'ry  sinner  here  may  feel 
The  word  is  not  his  own. 

2  Amongst  the  foremost  of  the  throng, 

Who  dare  thee  to  thy  face, 
He  in  rebellion  stood  too  long, 
And  fought  against  thy  grace. 

3  But  grace  prevail'd,  he  mercy  found, 

And  now  by  thee  is  sent, 

To  tell  his  fellow-rebels  round, 

And  call  them  to  repent. 

4  In  Jesus,  God  is  reconciled, 

The  worst  may  be  forgiv'n; 
Come,  and  he'll  own  you  as  a  child, 
And  make  you  heir  of  heav'n. 

5  Oh  !  may  the  word  of  Gospel  truth 

Your  chief  desires  engage  !     ' 
And  Jesus  be  your  guide  in  youth, 
Your  joy  in  hoary  age. 

6  Perhaps  the  year  that's  now  begun 

May  prove  to  some  their  last ; 
The  sands  oflife  may  soon  be  run, 
The  day  of  grace  be  past. 


Hymn  32.  Seasons.  201 

8  Dear  Lord,  afford  our  souls  a  spring, 

Thou  know'st  our  winter  has  been  long; 
Shine  forth  and  warm  our  hearts  to  sing, 
And  thy  rich  grace  shall  be  our  song. 


XXXII.     Spring. 

1  Bleak  winter  is  subdu'd  at  length, 

And  forc'd  to  yield  the  day ; 
The  sun  has  wasted  all  his  strength, 
And  driven  him  away. 

2  And  now  long  wish'd-for  spring  is  come, 

How  alter'd  is  the  scene  ! 
The  trees  and  shrubs  are  dress'd  in  bloom, 
The  earth  array 'd  in  green. 

3  Where'er  we  tread,  beneath  our  feet 

The  clustering  flowers  spring ; 
The  artless  birds,  in  concert  sweet, 
Invite  our  hearts  to  sing. 

4  But,  ah !  in  vain  I  strive  to  join, 

Oppress'd  with  sin  and  doubt ; 
I  feel  'tis  winter  still  within, 
Though  all  is  spring  without. 

5  Oh !  would  my  Saviour  from  on  high 

Break  through  these  clouds  and  shine  ! 
No  creature  then  more  blest  than  I, 
No  song  more  loud  than  mine. 

6  Till  then — no  softly- warbling  thrush, 

Nor  cowslip's  sweet  perfume, 
Nor  beauties  of  each  painted  bush, 
Can  dissipate  my  gloom. 


202  Seasons.  Book  IT, 

7  To  Adam,  soon  as  he  transgress'd, 

Thus  Eden  bloom'd  in  vain : 
Not  Paradise  could  give  him  rest, 
Or  sooth  his  heart-felt  pain. 

8  Yet  here  an  emblem  I  perceive 

Of  what  the  Lord  can  do ; 
Dear  Saviour,  help  me  to  believe, 
That  I  may  flourish  too. 

9  Thy  word  can  soon  my  hopes  revive, 

Can  overcome  my  foes, 
And  make  my  languid  graces  thrive, 
And  blossom  like  the  rose. 


XXXIII.     Another. 


Pleasing  spring  again  is  here  ! 
Trees  and  fields  in  bloom  appear  ! 
Hark  !  the  birds,  with  artless  lays, 
Warble  their  Creator's  praise  ! 
Where,  in  winter,  all  was  snow, 
Now  the  ftow'rs  in  clusters  grow ; 
And  the  corn,  in  green  array, 
Promises  a  harvest  day. 

What  a  change  has  taken  place ! 
Emblem  of  the  spring  of  grace ; 
How  the  soul,  in  winter  mourns, 
Till  the  Lord,  the  Sun,  returns  ; 
Till  the  Spirit's  gentle  rain 
Bids  the  heart  revive  again ; 
Then  the  stone  is  turn'd  to  flesh, 
And  each  grace  springs  forth  afresh. 


Hymn  34.  Seasons.  203 

3  Lord,  afford  a  spring  to  me  ! 
Let  me  feel  like  what  I  see  ! 
Ah  !  my  winter  has  been  long, 
Chill'd  my  hopes,  and  stopp'd  my  song ! 
Winter  threat'ned  to  destroy 

Faith,  and  love,  and  ev'ry  joy  ; 
If  thy  life  was  in  the  root, 
Still  I  could  not  yield  thee  fruit. 

4  Speak,  and  by  thy  gracious  voice 
Make  my  drooping  soul  rejoice ; 
O  beloved  Saviour,  haste, 

Tell  me,  all  the  storms  are  past : 
On  thy  garden  deign  to  smile, 
Raise  the  plants,  enrich  the  soil ; 
Soon  thy  presence  will  restore 
Life  to  what  seem'd  dead  before. 

5  Lord,  I  long  to  be  at  home, 
Where  these  changes  never  come ! 
Where  the  saints  no  winter  fear, 
Where  'tis  spring  throughout  the  year : 
How  unlike  this  state  below  ! 

There  the  flow'rs  unwith'ring  blow  : 
There  no  chilling  blasts  annoy ; 
All  is  love,  and  bloom,  and  joy. 


XXXIV.     Summer  Storms*. 

Though  the  morn  may  be  serene, 
Not  a  threat'ning  cloud  be  seen, 
Who  can  undertake  to  say 
'Twill  be  pleasant  all  the  day  ? 
*  Book  iii.  Hymn  68. 


204  Seasons.  Book  IT. 

Tempests  suddenly  may  arise, 
Darkness  overspread  the  skies, 
Lightnings  flash,  and  thunders  roar, 
Ere  a  short-lived  day  be  o'er. 

2  Often  thus  the  child  of  grace 
Enters  on  his  Christian  race  ; 
Guilt  and  fear  are  overborne, 
'Tis  with  him  a  summer's  morn  ; 
While  his  new-felt  joys  abound, 
All  things  seem  to  smile  around ; 
And  he  hopes  it  will  be  fair, 

All  the  day,  and  all  the  year. 

3  Should  we  warn  him  of  a  change, 
He  would  think  the  caution  strange  ; 
He  no  change  or  trouble  fears, 

Till  the  gathering  storm  appears*; 
Till  dark  clouds  his  sun  conceal, 
Till  temptation's  powV  he  feel ; 
Then  he  trembles  and  looks  pale, 
All  his  hopes  and  courage  fail. 

4  But  the  wonder-working  Lord 
Sooths  the  tempest  by  his  word  ; 
Stills  the  thunder,  stops  the  rain, 
And  his  sun  breaks  forth  again  : 
Soon  the  cloud  again  returns, 
Now  he  joys,  and  now  he  mourns  ; 
Oft  his  sky  is  overcast, 
Ere  the  day  of  life  be  past. 

5  Try 'd  believers  too  can  say, 
In  the  course  of  one  short  day, 
Though  the  morning  has  been  fair, 
Prov'd  a  golden  hour  of  pray  Y, 

Book  i.  Hymn  44. 


Hymn  35.  Seasons.  205 

Sin  and  Satan,  long  ere  night, 
Have  their  comforts  put  to  flight ; 
Ah !  what  heart-felt  peace  and  joy 
Unexpected  storms  destroy. 

6  Dearest  Saviour,  call  us  soon, 
To  thine  high  eternal  noon  ; 
Never  there  shall  tempest  rise, 
To  conceal  thee  from  our  eyes  : 
Satan  shall  no  more  deceive, 
We  no  more  thy  Spirit  grieve ; 
But  through  cloudless,  endless  days, 
Sound  to  golden  harps  thy  praise. 

XXXV.    Hay-time. 

IThe  grass, andflow'rs,  which  clothe  the  field, 
And  look  so  green  and  gay, 
Touch'd  by  the  scythe,  defenceless  yield, 
And  fall,  and  fade  away. 

2  Fit  emblem  of  our  mortal  state ! 

Thus  in  the  Scripture  glass, 
The  young,  the  strong,  the  wise,  the  great, 
May  see  themselves  but  grass*. 

3  Ah !  trust  not  to  your  fleeting  breath, 

Nor  call  your  time  your  own ; 
Around  you  see  the  scythe  of  death 
Is  mowing  thousands  down. 

4  And  you,  who  hitherto  are  spar'd, 

Must  shortly  yield  your  lives  ; 
Your  wisdom  is  to  be  prepar'd 
Before  the  stroke  arrives. 

*  Isaiah  xl.  7. 
S 


206  Seasons.  Book  II. 

5  The  grass,  when  dead,  revives  no  more ; 

You  die  to  live  again ; 
But,  oh  !  if  death  should  prove  the  door 
To  everlasting  pain. 

6  Lord,  help  us  to  obey  thy  call, 

That,  from  our  sins  set  free, 
When  like  the  grass  our  bodies  fall, 
Our  souls  may  spring  to  thee. 

XXXVI.    Harvest. 

1  See  !  the  corn  again  in  ear  ! 

How  the  fields  and  vallies  smile  ! 
Harvest  now  is  drawing  near, 

To  repay  the  farmer's  toil : 
Gracious  Lord,  secure  the  crop, 

Satisfy  the  poor  with  food  ; 
In  thy  mercy  is  our  hope, 

We  have  sinn'd,  but  thou  art  good. 

2  While  I  view  the  plenteous  grain 

As  it  ripens  on  the  stalk, 
May  I  not  instruction  gain 

Helpful  to  my  daily  walk  ? 
All  this  plenty  of  the  field 

Was  produe'd  from  foreign  seeds  ; 
For  the  earth  itself  would  yield 

Only  crops  of  useless  weeds. 

3  Though,  when  newly  sown,  it  lay- 

Hid  a  while  beneath  the  ground, 
(Some  might  think  it  thrown  away,) 

Now  a  large  increase  is  found : 
Though  conceal'd,  it  was  not  lost, 

Though  it  dy'd,  it  lives  again  ; 
Eastern  storms,  and  nipping  frosts, 

Have  oppos'd  its  growth  in  vain. 


Hymn  37.  Seasons.  207 

4  Let  the  praise  be  all  the  Lord's, 

As  the  benefit  is  ours  ! 
He,  in  season,  still  affords 

Kindly  heat,  and  gentle  show'rs  : 
By  his  care  the  produce  thrives, 

Waving  o'er  the  furrow'd  lands  ; 
And  when  harvest  time  arrives, 

Ready  for  the  reaper  stands. 

5  Thus  in  barren  hearts  he  sows 

Precious  seeds  of  heav'nly  joy*; 
Sin  and  hell  in  vain  oppose, 

None  can  grace's  crop  destroy : 
Threat'ned  oft,  though  still  it  blooms, 

After  many  changes  past, 
Death,  the  reaper,  when  he  comes, 

Finds  it  fully  ripe  at  last. 

CHRISTMAS. 

XXXVII.      Praise  for  the  Incarnation, 

1  Sweeter  sounds  than  music  knows 

Charm  me  in  Immanuel's  name  ; 
All  her  hopes  my  spirit  owes 

To  his  birth,  and  cross,  and  shame. 

2  When  he  came,  the  angels  sung, 

"  Glory  be  to  God  on  high ;" 
Lord,  unloose  my  stamm'ring  tongue, 
Who  should  louder  sing  than  I  ? 

3  Did  the  Lord  a  man  become, 

That  he  might  the  law  fulfil, 
Bleed  and  suffer  in  my  room, 

And  canst  thou,  my  tongue,  be  still  ? 

*  Hosea  xiv.  7.;     Mark  iv.  26 — 29, 


208  Seasons.  Book  II. 

4  No,  I  must  my  praises  bring, 

Though  they  worthless  are  and  weak  ; 
For  should  I  refuse  to  sing, 

Sure  the  very  stones  would  speak. 

5  O  my  Saviour,  Shield,  and  Sun, 

Shepherd,  Brother,  Husband,  Friend, 
Ev'ry  precious  name  in  one, 
I  will  love  thee  without  end. 


XXXVIII.     C.      Jehovah-Jesus. 

1  My  song  shall  bless  the  Lord  of  all, 

My  praise  shall  climb  to  his  abode  ; 
Thee,  Saviour,  by  that  name  I  call, 
The  great,  supreme,  the  mighty  God. 

2  Without  beginning  or  decline, 

Object  of  faith,  and  not  of  sense  ; 
Eternal  ages  saw  him  shine, 
He  shines  eternal  ages  hence. 

3  As  much,  when  in  the  manger  laid, 

Almighty  Ruler  of  the  sky, 
As  when  the  six  days'  work  he  made 
Fiil'd  all  the  morning  stars  with  joy. 

4  Of  all  the  crowns  Jehovah  bears, 

Salvation  is  his  dearest  claim ; 
That  gracious  sound  well  pleased' he  hears, 
And  owns  Immanuel  for  his  name. 

5  A  cheerful  confidence  I  feel, 

My  well-plac'd  hopes  with  joy  I  see  : 
My  bosom  glows  with  heav'nly  zeal 
To  worship  him  who  dy'd  for  me. 


Hymn  39.  Seasons.  209 

6  As  man,  he  pities  my  complaint, 

His  pow'r  and  truth  are  all  divine  ; 
He  will  not  fail,  he  cannot  faint, 
Salvation's  sure  and  must  be  mine. 

XXXIX.     Alan  honoured  above  Angels. 

1  Now  let  us  join  with  hearts  and  tongues, 
And  emulate  the  angels'  songs ; 

Yea,  sinners  may  address  their  King 
In  songs  that  angels  cannot  sing. 

2  They  praise  the  Lamb  who  once  was  slain* 
But  we  can  add  a  higher  strain  ; 

Not  only  say,  "  He  suffer 'd  thus," 
But  that  "  he  suffer'd  all  for  us." 

3  When  angels  by  transgression  fell, 
Justice  consign'd  them  all  to  hell ; 
But  Mercy  form'd  a  wondrous  plan, 
To  save  and  honour  fallen  man. 

4  Jesus,  who  pass'd  the  angels  by, 
Assum'd  our  flesh  to  bleed  and  dief ; 
And  still  he  makes  it  his  abode ; 

As  man  he  fills  the  throne  of  God. 

5  Our  next  of  kin,  our  Brother  now, 

Is  he  to  whom  the  angels  bow ; 

They  join  with  us  to  praise  his  name, 

But  we  the  nearest  int'rest  claim. 
r 

6  But,  ah !  how  faint  our  praises  rise ! 
Sure,  'tis  the  wonder  of  the  skies, 
That  we,  who  share  his  richest  love, 
So  cold  and  unconcern'd  should  prove. 

*Rev.  v.  tHeb.  ii.  16. 

S  2 


2K)  Seasons.  Book  II, 

7  Oh;  glorious  hour,  it  comes  with  speed  ! 
When  we,  from  sin  and  darkness  freed, 
Shall  see  the  God  who  died  for  man, 
And  praise  him  more  than  angels  can*. 

XL.      Saturday  Evening. 

1  Safely  through  another  w^eek, 

God  has  brought  us  on  our  way  ; 
Let  us  now  a  blessing  seek, 

On  th'  approaching  Sabbath-day  : 
Day  of  all  the  week  the  best, 
Emblem  of  eternal  rest. 

2  Mercies  multiply 'd  each  hour 

Through  the  week  our  praise  demand; 
Guarded  by  Almighty  pow'r, 

Fed  and  guided  by  his  hand  : 
Though  ungrateful  we  have  been, 
Only  made  returns  of  sin. 

3  While  we  pray,  for  pard'ning  grace, 

Through  the  dear  Redeemer's  name, 
Show  thy  reconciled  face, 

Shine  away  our  sin  and  shame  : 
From  our  worldly  care  set  free, 
May  we  rest  this  night  with  thee. 

4  When  the  morn  shall  bid  us  rise, ' 


May  we  feel  thy  presence  near 
May  thy  glory  meet  our  eyes 

When  we  in  thy  house  appear ! 
There  aiford  us,  Lord,  a  taste 
Of  our  everlasting  feast. 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  88. 


Hymn  41.  Seasons.  211 

5  May  thy  Gospel's  joyful  sound 

Conquer  sinners,  comfort  saints ; 

Make  the  fruits  of  grace  abound, 
Bring  relief  for  all  complaints  : 

Thus  may  all  our  Sabbaths  prove, 

Till  we  join  the  church  above ! 


THE  CLOSE  OF  THE  YEAR. 

XLI.     Ebenezer*. 

The  Lord,  our  salvation  and  light, 

The  guide  of  our  strength  and  our  days, 
Has  brought  us  together  to-night, 

A  new  Ebenezer  to  raise  : 
The  year  we  have  now  passed  through, 

His  goodness  with  blessings  has  crown'd, 
Each  morning  his  mercies  were  new  ; 

Then  let  our  thanksgivings  abound. 

Encompass'd  with  dangers  and  snares, 

Temptations,  and  fears,  and  complaints, 
His  ear  he  inclin'd  to  our  pray'rs, 

His  hand  open'd  wide  to  our  wants : 
We  never  besought  him  in  vain ; 

When  burden'd  with  sorrow  or  sin, 
He  help'd  us  again  and  again, 

Or  where  before  now  had  we  been  ? 

His  Gospel  throughout  the  long  year, 
From  Sabbath  to  Sabbath  he  gave  ; 

How  oft  has  he  met  with  us  here, 
And  shown  himself  mighty  to  save  ? 

*  1  Sam.  vii.  12. 


212  Seasons.  Book  II, 

His  candlestick  has  been  remov'd 
From  churches  once  privileg'd  thus ; 

But  though  we  unworthy  have  prov'd, 
It  still  is  continu'd  to  us. 

4  For  so  many  mercies  received, 

Alas  !  what  returns  have  we  made  ? 
His  Spirit  we  often  have  griev'd, 

And  evil  for  good  have  repaid  : 
How  well  it  becomes  us  to  cry, 

"  Oh !  who  is  a  God  like  to  thee  ? 
"  Who  passest  iniquities  by, 

"  And  plungest  them  deep  in  the  sea  [IJ 

5  To  Jesus,  who  sits  on  the  throne, 

Our  best  hallelujahs  we  bring  ; 
To  thee  it  is  owing  alone 

That  we  are  permitted  to  sing  : 
Assist  us,  we  pray,  to  lament 

The  sins  of  the  year  that  is  past ; 
And  grant  that  the  next  may  be  spent 

Far  more  to  thy  praise  than  the  last. 


XLII.     knottier. 

1  Let  hearts  and  tongues  unite, 

And  loud  thanksgivings  raise  : , 
'Tis  duty  mingl'd  with  delight, 
To  sing  the  Saviour's  praise. 

2  To  him  we  owe  our  breath, 

He  took  us  from  the  womb, 
Which  else  had  shut  us  up  in  death, 
And  prov'd  an  early  tomb. 


Hymn  42.  Seasons.  213 

3  When  on  the  breast  we  hung, 

Our  help  was  in  the  Lord  ; 
'Twas  he  first  taught  our  infant  tongue 
To  form  the  lisping  word. 

4  When  in  our  blood  we  lay, 

He  would  not  let  us  die, 
Because  his  love  had  fix'd  a  day 
To  bring  salvation  nigh. 

5  In  childhood  and  in  youth, 

His  eye  was  on  us  still ; 
Though  strangers  to  his  love  and  truth, 
And  prone  to  cross  his  will. 

6  And  since  his  name  we  knew, 

How  gracious  has  he  been ; 
What  dangers  has  he  led  us  through, 
What  mercies  have  we  seen  ! 

7  Now  through  another  year, 

Supported  by  his  care, 
We  raise  our  Ebenezer  here, 
"  The  Lord  has  help'd  thus  far." 

8  Our  lot  in  future  years 

Unable  to  foresee, 
He  kindly  to  prevent  our  fears, 
Says,  "  Leave  it  all  to  me." 

9  Yea,  Lord,  we  wish  to  cast 

Our  cares  upon  thy  breast ! 
Help  us  to  praise  thee  for  the  past, 
And  trust  thee  for  the  rest. 


214  Ordinances.  Book  II. 

II.  ORDINANCES. 

XLIII.      On  opening  a  Place  for  social  Prayer. 

1  O  Lord,  our  languid  souls  inspire, 

For  here,  we  trust,  thou  art ! 

Send  down  a  coal  of  heav'nly  fire, 

To  warm  each  waiting  heart. 

2  Dear  Shepherd  of  thy  people,  hear, 

Thy  presence  now  display  ; 
As  thou  hast  giv'n  a  place  for  pray'r, 
So  give  us  hearts  to  pray. 

3  Show  us  some  token  of  thy  love, 

Our  fainting  hope  to  raise  ; 
And  pour  thy  blessings  from  above, 
That  we  may  render  praise. 

4  Within  these  walls  let  holy  peace, 

And  love,  and  concord  dwell ; 
Here  give  the  troubled  conscience  ease. 
The  wounded  spirit  heal. 

5  The  feeling  heart,  the  melting  eye, 

The  humbled  mind  bestow  ; 

And  shine  upon  us  from  on  high, 

To  make  our  graces  grow  ! 

6  May  we  in  faith  receive  thy  word, 

In  faith  present  our  pray'rs  ; 
And,  in  the  presence  of  our  Lord, 
Unbosom  all  our  cares. 

7  And  may  the  Gospel's  joyful  sound, 

Enforc'd  by  mighty  grace, 

Awaken  many  sinners  round, 

To  come  and  fill  the  place. 


Hymn  44.  Ordinances.  215 


XLIV.     C.     Another. 

1  Jesus,  where'er  thy  people  meet, 
There  they  behold  thy  mercy- seat ; 
Where'er  they  seek  thee,  thou  art  found, 
And  ev'ry  place  is  hallow 'd  ground. 

2  For  thou,  within  no  walls  confin'd, 
Inhabitest  the  humble  mind  ; 

Such  ever  bring  thee  where  they  come, 
And  going,  take  thee  to  their  home. 

3  Dear  Shepherd  of  thy  chosen  few, 
Thy  former  mercies  here  renew  ; 
Here,  to  our  waiting  hearts  proclaim 
The  sweetness  of  thy  saving  name. 

4  Here  may  we  prove  the  pow'r  of  pray  V, 
To  strengthen  faith  and  sweeten  care  ; 
To  teach  our  faint  desires  to  rise, 
And  bring  all  heav'n  before  our  eyes. 

5  Behold,  at  thy  commanding  word, 
We  stretch  the  curtain  and  the  cord*; 
Come  thou  and  fill  this  wider  space, 
And  bless  us  with  a  large  increase. 

6  Lord,  we  are  few,  but  thou  art  near ; 
Nor  short  thine  arm,  nor  deaf  thine  ear ; 
Oh !  rend  the  heav'ns,  come  quickly  down, 
And  make  a  thousand  hearts  thine  own ! 

*  Isaiah  liv.  2. 


216  Ordinances.  Book  II. 

XLV.      The  Lord's  Day. 

1  How  welcome  to  the  saints,  when  press'd 

With  six  days'  noise,  and  care,  and  toil, 
Is  the  returning  day  of  rest, 
Which  hides  them  from  the  world  a  while ! 

2  Now  from  the  throng  withdrawn  away, 

They  seem  to  breathe  a  difPrent  air ; 
ComposM  and  soft'ned  by  the  day, 
All  things  another  aspect  wear. 

3  How  happy  if  their  lot  is  cast 

Where  statedly  the  Gospel  sounds  ! 
The  word  is  honey  to  their  taste,  [wounds ! 
Renews  their  strength,  and  heals  their 

4  Though  pinch'd  with  poverty  at  home, 

With  sharp  afflictions  daily  fed, 
It  makes  amends,  if  they  can  come 

To  God's  own  house  for  heav'nly  bread! 

5  With  joy  they  hasten  to  the  place 

Where  they  their  Saviour  oft  have  met ; 
And  while  they  feast  upon  his  grace, 
Their  burdens  and  their  griefs  forget. 

6  This  favour'd  lot  my  friends  is  ours, 

May  we  the  privilege  improve, , 
And  find  these  consecrated  hours 
Sweet  earnests  of  the  joys  above  ! 

7  We  thank  thee  for  thy  day,  O  Lord  : 

Here  we  thy  promis'd  presence  seek  ; 
Open  thine  hand,  with  blessings  stor'd, 
And  give  us  manna  for  the  week. 


Hymn  46.  Ordinances*  til 

XL VI.      Gospel  Privileges. 

1  O  happy  they  who  know  the  Lord, 

With  whom  he  deigns  to  dwell ! 
He  feeds  and  cheers  them  by  his  word, 
His  arm  supports  them  well. 

2  To  them,  in  each  distressing  hour, 

His  throne  of  grace  is  near ; 
And  when  they  plead  his  love  and  pow'r, 
He  stands  engag'd  to  hear. 

3  He  help'd  his  saints,  in  ancient  days, 

Who  trusted  in  his  name  ; 
And  we  can  witness,  to  his  praise, 
His  love  is  still  the  same. 

4  Wand 'ring  in  sin,  our  souls  he  found, 

And  bid  us  seek  his  face  ; 
Gave  us  to  hear  the  Gospel  sound, 
And  taste  the  Gospel  grace. 

5  Oft  in  his  house  his  glory  shines, 

Before  our  wond  ring  eyes  ; 
We  wish  not  then  for  golden  mines, 
Or  aught  beneath  the  skies. 

6  His  presence  sweetens  all  our  cares, 

And  makes  our  burdens  light ; 
A  word  from  him  dispels  our  fears, 
And  gilds  the  gloom  of  night. 

7  Lord,  we  expect  to  suffer  here, 

Nor  would  we  dare  repine  ; 
But  give  us  still  to  find  thee  near, 
And  own  us  still  for  thine. 


218  Ordinances,  Book  II 

8  Let  us  enjoy  and  highly  prize 
These  tokens  of  thy  love, 
Till  thou  shalt  bid  our  spirits  rise, 
To  worship  thee  above. 


XLVII.     Another. 

1  Happy  are  they  to  whom  the  Lord 

His  gracious  name  makes  known  ! 
And  by  his  Spirit,  and  his  word, 
Adopts  them  for  his  own ! 

2  He  calls  them  to  his  mercy- seat, 

And  hears  their  humble  pray'r ; 
And  when  within  his  house  they  meet, 
They  find  his  presence  near. 

3  The  force  of  their  united  cries 

No  pow'r  can  long  withstand  ; 
For  Jesus  helps  them  from  the  skies  ; 
By  his  almighty  hand. 

4  Then  mountains  sink  at  once  to  plains, 

And  light  from  darkness  springs ; 
Each  seeming  loss  improves  their  gains, 
Each  trouble  comfort  brings. 

5  Though  men  despise  them  or  revile, 

They  count  their  trial  small ; 
Whoever  frowns,  if  Jesus  smile, 
It  makes  amends  for  all. 

6  Though  meanly  clad,  and  coarsely  fed, 

And,  like  their  Saviour,  poor ; 
They  would  not  change  their  Gospel  bread 
For  all  the  worldling's  store. 


Hymn  48.  Ordinances.  219 

7  When  cheer 'd  with  faith's  sublimer  joys, 

They  mount  on  eagles'  wings  ; 

They  can  disdain  as  children's  toys, 

The  pride  and  pomp  of  kings. 

8  Dear  Lord,  assist  our  souls  to  pay 

The  debt  of  praise  we  owe, 
That  we  enjoy  a  Gospel  day, 
And  heav'n  begun  below. 


XL  VIII.  Praise  for  the  Continuance  of  the  Gos/iel*. 

1  Once,  while  we  aim'd  at  Zion's  songs, 

A  sudden  mourning  check 'd  our  tongues ! 
Then  we  were  call'd  to  sow  in  tears 
The  seeds  of  joy  for  future  years. 

2  Oft  as  that  memorable  hour 

The  changing  year  brings  round  again, 
We  meet  to  praise  the  love  and  pow'r 
Which  heard  our  cries,  and  eas'd  our  pain. 

3  Come,  ye  who  trembled  for  the  ark, 

Unite  in  praise  for  answer'd  pray'r ! 

Did  not  the  Lord  our  sorrows  mark  ? 

Did  not  our  sighing  reach  his  ear  ? 

4  Then  smaller  griefs  were  laid  aside, 

And  all  our  cares  summ'd  up  in  one  ; 
"  Let  us  but  have  thy  word,''  we  cry'd, 
"  In  other  things  thy  will  be  done." 

*  Wherever  a  separation  is  threatened  between 
a  minister  and  people  who  dearly  love  each  other, 
this  hymn  may  be  as  seasonable  as  it  was  once  in 
Olney. 


Ordinances.  Book  IT. 

5  Since  he  has  granted  our  request, 

And  we  still  hear  the  Gospel  voice  ; 
Although  by  many  trials  prest, 
In  this  we  can  and  will  rejoice. 

6  Though  to  our  lot  temptations  fall, 

Though  pain,  and  want,  and  cares  annoy; 
The  precious  Gospe  sweetens  all, 

And  yields  us  med'cine,  food,  and  joy. 

XLIX.     A  Famine  of  the    Word. 

\  Gl  a  d  n  e  s  s  was  spread  through  Israel's  host 
When  first  they  manna  view'd ; 
They  labour'd  who  should  gather  most, 
And  thought  it  pleasant  food. 

2  Buf-  when  they  had  it  long  enjoy'd, 

From  day  to  day  the  same, 
Their  hearts  were  by  the  plenty  cloy'd, 
Although  from  heav'n  it  came. 

3  Thus  Gospel  bread  at  first  is  priz'd, 

And  makes  a  people  glad  ; 
But  afterwards  too  much  despis'd, 
When  easy  to  be  had  : 

4  But  should  the  Lord,  displeas'd,  withhold 

The  bread  his  mercy  sends  ;     . 

To  have  our  houses  iill'd  with  gold 

Would  make  but  poor  amends. 

5  How  tedious  would  the  week  appear, 

How  dull  the  Sabbath  prove, 
Gonld  we  no  longer  meet  to  hear 
The  precious  truths  we  love  ? 


Hymn  50.  Ordinances.  221 

6  How  would  believing  parents  bear. 

To  leave  their  heedless  youth 
Expos'd  to  ev'ry  fatal  snare, 
Without  the  light  of  truth  ? 

7  The  Gospel,  and  a  praying  few, 

Our  bulwark  long  have  prov'd  ; 
But  Olney  sure  the  day  will  rue 
When  these  shall  be  remov'd. 

8  Then  sin  in  this  once-favour'd  town, 

Will  triumph  unrestrain'd ; 
And  wrath  and  vengeance  hasten  down, 
No  more  by  pray'r  detain'd : 

9  Preserve  us  from  this  judgment,  Lord, 

For  Jesus'  sake  we  plead  ; 
A  famine  of  the  Gospel  word 
Would  be  a  stroke  indeed  ! 


L.     Prayer  for  Ministers. 

1  Chief  Shepherd  of  thy  chosen  sheep, 

From  death  and  sin  set  free  ; 
May  ev'ry  under  shepherd  keep 
His  eye  intent  on  thee  ! 

2  With  plenteous  grace  their  hearts  prepare 

To  execute  thy  will ; 
Compassion,  patience,  love,  and  care, 
And  faithfulness  and  skill. 

3  Inflame  their  minds  with  holy  zeal 

Their  flocks  to  feed  and  teach  ; 
And  let  them  live,  and  let  them  feel 
The  sacred  truths  they  preach. 
T  2 


222  Ordinances,  Book  II. 

4  Oh  !  never  let  the  sheep  complain 

That  toys,  which  fools  amuse, 

Ambition,  pleasure,  praise,  or  gain, 

Debase  the  shepherd's  views. 

5  He  that  for  these  forbears  to  feed 

The  souls  whom  Jesus  loves, 
Whate'er  he  may  profess  or  plead, 
An  idol- shepherd  proves*. 

6  The  sword  of  God  shall  break  his  arm, 

A  blast  shall  blind  his  eye ; 
His  word  shall  have  no  pow'r  to  warm, 
His  gifts  shall  all  grow  dry. 

7  O  Lord,  avert  this  heavy  wo, 

Let  all  thy  shepherds  say  ! 
And  grace  and  strength  on  each  bestow 
To  labour  while  'tis  day. 

LI.     Prayer  for  a  Revival.' 

1  Saviour,  visit  thy  plantation, 

Grant  us,  Lord,  a  gracious  rain  ! 
All  will  come  to  desolation, 

Unless  thou  return  again  : 
Keep  no  longer  at  a  distance, 

Shine  upon  us  from  on  high  ; 
Lest,  for  want  of  thine  assistance, . 

Ev'ry  plant  should  droop  and  die. 

2  Surely,  once  thy  garden  flourished, 

Ev'ry  part  look'd  gay  and  green  ; 
Then  thy  word  our  spirits  nourish'd, 
Happy  seasons  we  have  seen  ! 

*  Zechariah  xi.   17. 


Hymn  52.  Ordinances.  223 

But  a  drought  has  since  succeeded, 

And  a  sad  decline  we  see  ; 
Lord,  thy  help  is  greatly  needed  ; 

Help  can  only  come  from  thee. 

3  Where  are  those  we  counted  leaders, 

FilPd  with  zeal,  and  love,  and  truth  f 
Old  professors,  tall  as  cedars, 

Bright  examples  to  our  youth ! 
Some,  in  whom  we  once  delighted, 

We  shall  meet  no  more  below ; 
Some,  alas  !  we  fear  are  blighted, 

Scarce  a  single  leaf  they  show. 

4  Younger  plants — the  sight  how  pleasant, 

Cover'd  thick  with  blossoms  stood  ; 
But  they  cause  us  grief  at  present, 

Frosts  have  nipp'd  them  in  the  bud  ! 
Dearest  Saviour,  hasten  hither, 

Thou  canst  make  them  bloom  again  ; 
Oh,  permit  them  not  to  wither, 

Let  not  all  our  hopes  be  vain ! 

5  Let  our  mutual  love  be  fervent, 

Make  us  prevalent  in  pray'rs ; 
Let  each  one,  esteem'd  thy  servant, 

Shun  the  world's  bewitching  snares ; 
Break  the  tempter's  fatal  power, 

Turn  the  stony  heart  to  flesh ; 
And  begin,  from  this  good  hour, 

To  revive  thy  work  afresh. 

LII.     Hoping  for  a  Revival. 

1  My  harp  untun'd,  and  laid  aside, 

(To  cheerful  hours  the  harp  belongs,) 
My  cruel  foes,  insulting  cry'd, 

"  Come,  sing  us  one  of  Zion's  songs." 


224>  Ordinances,  Book  II. 

2  Alas  !  when  sinners,  blindly  bold, 

At  Zion  scoff,  and  Zion's  King ; 
When  zeal  declines  and  love  grows  cold. 
Is  this  a  day  for  me  to  sing  ? 

3  Time  was,  whene'er  the  saints  I  met, 

With  joy  and  praise  my  bosom  glow'd; 
But  now,  like  Eli,  sad  I  sit, 

And  tremble  for  the  ark  of  God. 

4  While  thus  to  grief  my  soul  gave  way. 

To  see  the  work  of  God  decline  ; 
Methought  I  heard  my  Saviour  say, 
"  Dismiss  thy  fears,  the  ark  is  mine. 

5  "  Though  for  a  time  I  hide  my  face, 

"  Rely  upon  my  love  and  pow'r ; 
"  Still  wrestle  at  a  throne  of  grace, 
"  And  wait  for  a  reviving  hour. 

6  "  Take  down  thy  long  neglected  harp, 

u  I've  seen  thy  tears  and  heard  thy  pray'r 
"  The  winter  season  has  been  sharp, 
<rBut  spring  shall  all  its  wastes  repair." 

7  Lord,  I  obey ;  my  hopes  revive  ; 

Come  join  with  me,  ye  saints,  and  sing ; 
Our  foes  in  vain  against  us  strive, 
For  God  will  help  and  healing  bring. 

SACRAMENTAL  HYMNS. 

LUI.  C.    Welcome  to  the  Table. 

1  This  is  the  feast  of  heav'nly  wine, 
And  God  invites  to  sup  : 
The  juices  of  the  living  vine 
Were  press 'd,  to  ill  the  cup. 


Hymn  54.  Ordinances.  225 

2  Oh  !  bless  the  Saviour,  ye  that  eat, 

With  royal  dainties  fed ; 
Not  heav'n  affords  a  costlier  treat, 
For  Jesus  is  the  bread. 

3  The  vile,  the  lost,  he  calls  to  them, 

Ye  trembling  souls,  appear ! 
The  righteous  in  their  own  esteem 
Have  no  acceptance  here. 

4  Approach,  ye  poor,  nor  dare  refuse 

The  banquet  spread  for  you  : 
Dear  Saviour,  this  is  welcome  news, 
Then  I  may  venture  too. 

5  If  guik  and  sin  afford  a  plea, 

And  may  obtain  a  place, 
Surely  the  Lord  will  welcome  me, 
And  I  shall  see  his  face. 


LIV.      Christ   crucified. 

1  Wh  e  n  on  the  cross  my  Lord  I  see, 
Bleeding  to  death  for  wretched  me, 
Satan  and  sin  no  more  can  move, 
For  I  am  all  transform'd  to  love. 

2  His  thorns  and  nails  pierce  thro'  my  heart ; 
In  ev'ry  groan  I  bear  a  part ; 

I  view  his  wounds  with  streaming  eyes ; 
But  see  !  he  bows  his  head,  and  dies  ! 

3  Come,  sinners,  view  the  Lamb  of  God, 
Wounded  and  dead,  and  bath'd  in  blood  ! 
Behold  his  side,  and  venture  near, 

The  well  of  endless  life  is  here. 


226 


Ordinances. 


Book  II. 


4  Here  I  forget  my  cares  and  pains  ; 

I  drink,  yet  still  my  thirst  remains  ; 
Only  the  fountain  head  above 
Can  satisfy  the  thirst  of  love. 

5  Oh,  that  I  thus  could  always  feel ! 
Lord,  more  and  mpre  thy  love  reveal ! 
Then  my  glad  tongue  shall  loud  proclaim 
The  grace  and  glory  of  thy  name. 

6  Thy  name  dispels  my  guilt  and  fear, 
Revives  my  heart,  and  charms  my  ear ; 
Affords  a  balm  for  ev'ry  wound, 
And  Satan  trembles  at  the  sound. 


"  LV.     C.      Jesus  hasting  to  suffer  , 

The  Saviour,  what -a  noble  flame 
Was  kindled  in  his  breast, 

When,  hasting  to  Jerusalem, 
He  march'd  before  the  rest ! 

Good-will  to  men,  and  zeal  for  God, 
His  ev'ry  thought  engross  ; 

He  longs  to  be  baptized  with  blood*, 
He  pants  to  reach  the  cross. 

With  all  his  sufferings  full  in  view, 
And  woes  to  us  unknown, 

Forth  to  the  task  his  spirit  flew,  . 
'Twas  love  that  urg'd  him  on. 

Lord,  we  return  thee  what  we  can ! 

Our  hearts  shall  sound  abroad, 
Salvation,  to  the  dying  Man, 

And  to  the  rising  God ! 

*  Luke  xii.  50. 


Hymn  5G.  Ordinances.  227 

5  And  while  thy  bleeding  glories  here 
Engage  our  wond'ring  eyes, 
We  learn  our  lighter  cross  to  bear. 
And  hasten  to  the  skies. 


LVI.     It  is  good  to  be  here. 

1  Let  me  dwell  on  Golgotha, 
Weep  and  love  my  life  away  ! 
While  I  see  him  on  the  tree, 
Weep,  and  bleed,  and  die  for  me  ! 

2  Trnt  dear  blood,  for  sinners  spilt, 
Shows  my  sin  in  all  its  guilt : 
Ah,?  my  soul !  he  bore  thy  load ; 
Thou1* hast  slain  the  Lamb  of  God. 

3  Hark  !  -his  dying  word,  "  Forgive, 
"  Father,  let  the  sinner  live  ; 

"  Sinner,  wipe  thy  tears  away, 
"  I  thy  ransom  freely  pay." 

4  While  I  hear  this  grace  reveal'd, 
And  obtain  a  pardon  seal'd, 

AH  my  soft  affections  move, 
Weaken'd  by  the  force  of  love. 

5  Farewell,  world,  thy  gold  is  dross, 
Now  I  see  the  bleeding  cross  ; 
Jesus  dy'd  to  set  me  free 

From  the  law,  and  sin,  and  thee  ! 

6  He  has  dearly  bought  my  soul ; 
Lord,  accept,  and  claim  the  whole  ; 
To  thy  will  I  all  resign, 

Now  no  more  my  own,  but  thine. 


223  Ordinances,  Book  II". 

LVII.  Looking  at  the  Cross. 

1  In  evil  long  I  took  delight, 

Unaw'd  by  shame  or  fear, 
Till  a  new  object  struck  my  sight, 
And  stopp'd  my  wild  career. 

2  I  saw  one  hanging  on  a  tree, 

In  agonies  and  blood, 
Who  fix'd  has  languid  eyes  on  me, 
As  near  his  cross  I  stood. 

3  Sure,  never  till  my  latest  breath 

Can  I  forget  that  look  ; 
It  seem'd  to  charge  me  with  his  death, 
Though  not  a  word  he  spoke. 

4  My  conscience  felt,  and  own'd  the  guilt, 

And  plung'd  me  in  despair  ; 

I  saw  my  sins  his  blood  had  spilt, 

And  help'd  to  nail  him  there. 

5  Alas  !  I  knew  not  what  I  did ; 

But  now  my  tears  are  vain  ; 
Where  shall  my  trembling  soul  be  hid  ? 
For  I  the  Lord  have  slain. 

6  A  second  look  he  gave,  which  said, 

"  I  freely  all  forgive  : 
"  This  blood  is  for  thy  ransom  paid, 
"  I  die,  that  thou  mayst  live." 

7  Thus,  while  his  death  my  sin  displays 

In  all  its  blackest  hue, 
(Such  is  the  mystery  of  grace,) 
It  seals  my  pardon  too. 


Hymn  5S.  Ordinances,  229 

8  With  pleasing  grief  and  mournful  joy 
My  spirit  nojv  is  fill'd, 
That  I  should  such  a  life  destroy, 
Yet  live  by  him  I  kilPd. 

LVIII.     Sufifilies  in  the  Wilderness. 

1  When  Israel,  by  divine  command, 

The  pathless  desert  trod, 
They  found,  though  'twas  a  barren  land, 
A  sure  resource  in  God. 

2  A  cloudy  pillar  mark'd  their  road, 

And  screen'd  them  from  the  heat ; 
From  the  hard  rocks  the  water  flow'd, 
And  manna  was  their  meat. 

3  Like  them,  we  have  a  rest  in  view, 

Secure  from  adverse  pow'rs : 
Like  them  we  pass  the  desert  too, 
But  Israel's  God  is  ours. 

4  Yes,  in  this  barren  wilderness 

He  is  to  us  the  same, 
By  his  appointed  means  of  grace, 
As  once  he  was  to  them. 

5  His  word  a  light  before  us  spreads, 

By  which  our  path  we  see ; 
His  love  a  banner  o'er  our  heads, 
From  harm  preserves  us  free. 

6  Jesus,  the  bread  of  life,  is  giv'n 

To  be  our  daily  food  ; 
We  drink  a  wondrous  stream  from  heav'n, 
'Tis  water,  wine,  and  blood. 
U 


230  Ordinances.  Book  II. 

7  Lord,  'tis  enough,  I  ask  no  more, 
These  blessings  are  divine  ; 
I  envy  not  the  worldling's  store, 
If  Christ  and  heav'n  are  mine. 

LIX.      Communion  with  the  Saiiits  in  Glory. 

1  Re  freshed  by  the  bread  and  wine, 

The  pledges  of  our  Saviour's  love  ; 
Now  let  our  hearts  and  voices  join 
In  songs  of  praise  with  those  above. 

2  Do  they  sing,  "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  ?" 

Altho*  we  cannot  reach  their  strains, 
Yet  we,  through  grace,  can  sing  the  same, 
For  us  he  dy'd,  for  us  he  reigns. 

3  If  they  behold  him  face  to  face, 

While  we  a  glimpse  can  only  see ; 
Yet  equal  debtors  to  his  grace, 
As  safe  and  as  belov'd  are  we. 

4  They  had,  like  us,  a  suffering  time, 

Our  cares,  and  fears,  and  griefs  they  knew ; 
But  they  have  conquer'd  all  through  him, 
And  we  ere  long  shall  conquer  too. 

5  Though  all  the  songs  of  saints  in  light 

Are  far  beneath  his  matchless  worth, 
His  grace  is  such,  he  will  not  slight 
The  poor  attempts  of  worms  on  earth. 


Hymn  60.  Ordinances,,  231 

ON  PRAYER. 

LX.     C.     Exhortation  to  Prayer. 

1  Wh  a  t  various  hindrances  we  meet 
In  coming  to  a  mercy  seat ! 

Yet  who  that  knows  the  worth  of  pray'r, 
But  wishes  to  be  often  there. 

2  Pray'r  makes  the  darkled  cloud  withdraw, 
Pray  r  climbs  the  ladder  Jacob  saw, 
Gives  exercise  to  faith  and  love, 

Brings  ev'ry  blessing  from  above. 

3  Restraining  pray'r,  we  cease  to  fight ; 
Pray'r  makes  the  Christian's  armour  bright ; 
And  Satan  trembles  when  he  sees 

The  weakest  saint  upon  his  knees. 

4  While  Moses  stood  with  arms  spread  wide, 
Success  was  found  on  Israel's  side  ; 

But  when  through  weariness  they  fail'd, 
That  moment  Amalek  prevair'd*. 

5  Have  you  no  words  ?  all !  think  again, 
Words  flow  apace  when  you  complain, 
And  fill  your  fellow  creature's  ear 
With  the  sad  tale  of  all  your  care. 

6  Were  half  the  breath  thus  vainly  spent, 
To  heav'n  in  supplication  sent, 

Your  cheerful  song  would  oft'ner  be, 
"  Hear  what  the  Lord  has  done  for  me." 
*  Exodus  xvii.   11. 


232  Ordinances.  Book  IT. 


LXI.     Power  of  Prayer. 

1  In  themselves,  as  weak  as  worms, 

How  can  poor  believers  stand, 
When  temptations,  foes,  and  storms, 
Press  them  close  on  ev'ry  hand  ? 

2  Weak,  indeed,  they  feel  they  are, 

But  they  know  the  throne  of  grace  ; 
And  the  God  who  answers  pray'r 
Helps  them  when  they  seek  his  face. 

3  Though  the  Lord  a  while  delay, 

Succour  they  at  length  obtain  ; 

He  who  taught  their  hearts  to  pray, 

Will  not  let  them  cry  in  vain. 

4  Wrestling  pray'r  can  wonders  do, 

Bring  relief  in  deepest  straits  ; 
Pray'r  can  force  a  passage  through 
Iron  bars  and  brazen  gates. 

5  Hezekiah  on  his  knees 

Proud  Assyria's  host  subdu'd  ; 
And  when  smitten  with  disease, 
Had  his  life  by  pray'r  renew 'd. 

G  Peter,  though  confin'd  and  chain 'd, 

Pray'r  prevail'd  and  brought  him  out ; 
When  Elijah  pray'd,  it  rain'd, 
After  three  long  years  of  drought. 

7  We  can  likewise  witness  bear, 
That  the  Lord  is  still  the  same  ; 
Though  we  fear'd  he  would  not  hear, 
Suddenly  deliverance  came. 


Hymn  G2.  Ordinances.  233 

8  For  the  wonders  he  has  wrought, 
Let  us  now  our  praises  give  ; 
And  by  sweet  experience  taught, 
Call  upon  him  while  we  live. 

ON  THE  SCRIPTURE. 

LXII.    C.     The  Light  and  Glory  of  the  Word. 

1  The  Spirit  breathes  upon  the  word, 

And  brings  the  truth  to  sight ; 
Precepts  and  promises  afford 
A  sanctifying  light. 

2  A  glory  gilds  the  sacred  page, 

Majestic  like  the  sun  ; 
It  gives  a  light  to  ev'ry  age, 
It  gives,  but  borrows  none. 

3  The  hand  that  gave  it  still  supplies 

The  gracious  light  and  heat ; 
His  truths  upon  the  nations  rise, 
They  rise  but  never  set. 

4  Let  everlasting  thanks  be  thine, 

For  such  a  bright  display, 
As  makes  a  world  of  darkness  shine 
With  beams  of  heav'nly  day. 

5  My  soul  rejoices  to  pursue 

The  steps  of  him  I  love  ; 
Till  glory  breaks  upon  my  view 
In  brighter  worlds  above. 


U2 


~->l  Ordinances,  Book  II, 

LXIII.      The  Ward  more  precious  than  Gold. 

1  Precious  Bible  !  what  a  treasure 

Does  the  word  of  God  afford  ! 
All  I  want  for  life  or  pleasure, 

Food  &  Med'cine,  Shield  &  Sword: 
Let  the  world  account  me  poor, 
Having  this  I  need  no  more. 

2  Food  to  which  the  world's  a  stranger, 

Here  my  hungry  soul  enjoys; 
Of  excess  there  is  no  danger, 

Though  it  fills,  it  never  cloys  : 
On  a  dying  Christ  I  feed, 
He  is  meat  and  drink  indeed ! 

3  "When  my  faith  is  faint  and  sickly, 

Or  when  Satan  wounds  my  mind, 
Cordials  to  revive  me  quickly, 
Healing  Med'cines  here  I  find ; 
To  the  promises  I  flee, 
Each  affords  a  remedy. 

4  In  the  hour  of  dark  temptation 

Satan  cannot  make  me  yield ; 
For  the  word  of  consolation 
Is  to  me  a  mighty  Shield  : 
While  the  Scripture-truths  are  sure, 
From  his  malice  I'm  secure. 

5  Vain  his  threats  to  overcome  me, 

When  I  take  the  Spirit's  sword ; 
Then  with  ease  I  drive  him  from  me, 
Satan  trembles  at  the  word : 
'Tis  a  Sword  for  conquest  made, 
Keen  the  edge,  and  strong  the  blade. 


Hymn  64.  Providences,  235; 

6  Shall  I  envy  then  the  miser, 

Doating  on  his  golden  store  ? 
Sure  I  am,  or  should  he  wiser, 

I  am  rich,  'tis  he  is  poor  : 
Jesus  gives  me  in  his  word, 
Food  and  Med'cine,  Shield  and  Sword, 

III.  PROVIDENCES. 

LXIV.      On  the  Commencement  of  Hostilities  in 
America. 

1  The  gathering  clouds,  with  aspect  dark, 

A  rising  storm  presage  ; 
Oh !  to  be  hid  within  the  ark, 
And  shelter 'd  from  its  rage  ! 

2  See  the  commission'd  angel  frown*  ! 

That  vial  in  his  hand, 
Fill'd  with  fierce  wrath,  is  pouring  down 
Upon  our  guilty  land ! 

3  Ye  saints,  unite  in  wrestling  pray'r, 

If  yet  there  may  be  hope ; 
Who  knows  but  mercy  yet  may  spare, 
And  bid  the  angel  stopf  ? 

4  Already  is  the  plague  begun  J, 

And  fir'd  with  hostile  rage, 
Brethren,  by  blood,  and  int'rest  one, 
With  brethren  now  engage. 

5  Peace  spreads  her  wings,  prepar'd  for  night, 

And  war,  with  naming  sword, 
And  hasty  strides,  draws  nigh,  to  fight 
The  battles  of  the  Lord. 

J  Rev.  xvi.  1.     t  2  Sam,  xxiv.  16.    \  Njam.  xvi.  46, 


236  Providences.  Book  II.. 

6  The  first  alarm,  alas !  how  few, 

While  distant,  seem  to  hear ! 
But  they  will  hear,  and  tremble  too, 
When  God  shall  send  it  near. 

7  So  thunder  o'er  the  distant  hills 

Gives  but  a  murm'ring  sound ; 

But  as  the  tempest  spreads,  it  fills 

And  shakes  the  welkin*  round. 

8  May  we,  at  least,  with  one  consent, 

Fall  low  before  the  throne ; 
With  tears  the  nation's  sins  lament, 
The  church's,  and  our  own. 

9  The  humble  souls  who  mourn  and  pray, 

The  Lord  approves  and  knows ; 
His  mark  secures  them  in  the  day 
When  vengeance  strikes  his  foes. 

FAST-DAY  HYMNS. 

LXV.      Confession  and  Prayer.    Dec.  13,  1776. 

1  Oh!  may  the  pow'r  which  melts  the  rock 

Be  felt  by  all  assembled  here  ! 
Or  else  our  service  will  but  mock 
The  God  whom  we  profess  to  fear. 

2  Lord,  while  thy  judgments  shake  the  land, 

Thy  people's  eyes  are  fix'd  on  thee  ! 
We  own  thy  just  uplifted  hand,  • 

Which  thousands  cannot,  will  not  see. 

3  How  long  hast  thou  bestow 'd  thy  care 

On  this  indulg'd,  ungrateful  spot ; 
While  other  nations,  far  and  near, 
Have  envied  and  admir'd  our  lot. 
*  Firmament,  or  Atmosphere. 


Hymn  66.  Providences.  237 

4  Here  peace  and  liberty  have  dwelt, 

The  glorious  Gospel  brightly  shone  ; 
And  oft  our  enemies  have  felt 

That  God  has  made  our  cause  his  own. 

5  But,  ah !  both  heav'n  and  earth  have  heard 

Our  vile  requital  of  his  love  ! 
We,  whom  like  children  he  has  rear'd, 
Rebels  against  his  goodness  prove*. 

6  His  grace  despis'd,  his  pow'r  defy'd, 

And  legions  of  the  blackest  crimes, 
Profaneness,  riot,  lust,  and  pride, 

Are  signs  that  mark  the  present  times. 

7  The  Lord,  displeas'd,  has  rais'd  his  rod  ; 

Ah !  where  are  now  the  faithful  few 
Who  tremble  for  the  ark  of  God, 
And  know  what  Israel  ought  to  dof  ? 

8  Lord,  hear  thy  people  ev'ry  where, 

Who  meet  to  mourn,  confess,  and  pray ; 
The  nation  and  thy  churches  spare, 
And  let  thy  wrath  be  turn'd  away.: 

LXVI.     Moses  and  Amalek\.     Feb.  27,    1778, 

1  While  Joshua  led  the  armed  bands 

Of  Israel  forth  to  war  ; 
Moses  apart,  with  lifted  hands, 
Engag'd  in  humble  pray'r. 

2  The  armed  bands  had  quickly  fail'd, 

And  perish'd  in  the  fight, 
If  Moses'  pray'r  had  not  prevail'd 
To  put  the  foes  to  flight. 

*  Isa.  i.  2.      t   1  Chron.  xii.  32.       J  Exod.  xvii.  9. 


233  Providences.  Book  II. 

3  When  Moses'   hands    through  weakness 

The  warriors  fainted  too ;  [dropp'd, 

Israel's  success  at  once  was  stopp'd, 
And  Am'lek  bolder  grew. 

4  A  people,  always  prone  to  boast, 

Were  taught  by  this  suspense, 
That  not  a  num'rous  armed  host, 
But  God  was  their  defence. 

.5  We  now  of  fleets  and  armies  vaunt, 
And  ships  and  men  prepare ; 
But  men  like  Moses  most  we  want, 
To  save  the  state  by  pray'r. 

6  Yet,  Lord,  we  hope  thou  hast  prepar'd 

A  hidden  few  to-day, 
(The  nation's  secret  strength  and  guard,) 
To  weep,  and  H*ourn,  and  pray. 

7  O  hear  their  pray'rs,  and  g^jit  us  aid, 

Bid  war  and  discord  cea^e ; 
Heal  the  sad  breach  which  sin  has  made, 
And  bless  us  all  with  peace. 


LXVII.      The   Hiding  "Place. 

See  the  gloomy  gath'ring  cloud, 

Hanging  o'er  a  sinful  land ! 
Sure  the  Lord  proclaims  aloud, 

Times  of  trouble  are  at  hand  : 
Happy  they  who  love  his  name  ! 

They  shall  always  find  him  near  ; 
Though  the  earth  were  wrapp'd  in  flattie, 

They  have  no  just  cause  for  fear. 


Hymn  68.  Providences,  239 

2  Hark,  his  voice  in  accents  mild, 

(Oh,  how  comforting  and  sweet !) 
Speaks  to  every  humble  child, 

Pointing  out  a  sure  retreat ! 
"  Come,  and  in  my  chambers  hide*, 

"  To  my  saints  of  old  well  known ; 
<l  There  you  safely  may  abide, 

"  Till  the  storm  be  overblown. 

3  "  You  have  only  to  repose 

"  On  my  wisdom,  love,  and  care  ; 
"  When  my  wrath  consumes  my  foes, 

"  Mercy  shall  my  children  spare ; 
"  While  they  perish  in  the  flood, 

"  You  that  bear  my  holy  markf , 
"  Sprinkled  with  atoning  blood, 

"  Shall  be  safe  within  the  ark.*' 

4  Sinners,  see  the  ark  prepar'd  ! 

Haste  to  enter  while  there's  room  ; 
Though  the  Lord  his  arm  has  bar'd, 

Mercy  still  retards  your  doom  : 
Seek  him  while  there  yet  is  hope, 

Ere  the  day  of  grace  be  past, 
Lest  in  wrath  he  give  you  up, 

And  this  call  should  prove  your  last. 


LXVIII.     On  the  Earthquake.     Sept.  8,   1775. 

Although  on  massy  pillars  built, 

The  earth  has  lately  shook ; 
It  trembles  under  Britain's  guilt, 

Before  its  Maker's  look. 

*  Isa.  xxvi.  20.  f  Ezek.  ix.  4, 


240  Providences.  Book  II. 

2  Swift  as  the  shock  amazement  spreads, 

And  sinners  tremble  too ; 
What  flight  can  screen  their  guilty  heads, 
If  earth  itself  pursue  ? 

3  But  mercy  spar'd  us  while  it  warn'd, 

The  shock  is  felt  no  more  ; 
And  mercy,  now,  alas  !  is  scorn'd 
By  sinners,  as  before. 

4  But  if  these  warnings  prove  in  vain, 

Say,  sinner,  canst  thou  tell, 
How  soon  the  earth  may  quake  again, 
And  open  wide  to  hell. 

5  Repent  before  the  Judge  draws  nigh  ; 

Or  else  when  he  comes  down, 
Thou  wilt  in  vain  for  earthquakes  cry, 
To  hide  thee  from  his  frown*. 

6  But  happy  they  who  love  the  Lord, 

And  his  salvation  know ; 
The  hope  that's  founded  on  his  word, 
No  change  can  overthrow. 

1  Should  the  deep-rooted  hills  be  hurl'd, 
And  plung'd  beneath  the  seas, 
And  strong  convulsions  shake  the  world, 
Your  hearts  may  rest  in  peace. 

8  Jesus,  your  Shepherd,  Lord,  and  Chief, 
Shall  shelter  you  from  ill ; 
And  not  a  worm  or  shaking  leaf 
Can  move,  but  at  his  will. 

*  Rev.  vi.  16. 


Hymn  60.  Providences.  241 

LXIX.     On  the  Fire  at  Olney.     Sept.  22,  1 777. 

1  Wearied  by  day  with  toil  and  cares, 

How  welcome  is  the  peaceful  night ! 
Sweet  sleep  our  wasted  strength  repairs, 
And  fits  us  for  returning  light. 

2  Yet  when  our  eyes  in  sleep  are  clos'd, 

Our  rest  may  break  ere  well  begun  ; 
To  dangers  ev'ry  hour  expos 'd, 
We  neither  can  foresee  nor  shun. 

3  'Tis  of  the  Lord  that  we  can  sleep 

A  single  night  without  alarms  ; 
His  eye  alone  our  lives  can  keep 
Secure  amidst  a  thousand  harms. 

4  For  months  and  years  of  safety  past 

Ungrateful  we,  alas  !  have  been  ; 
Though,  patient  long,  he  spoke  at  last, 
And  bid  the  fire  rebuke  our  sin. 

5  The  shout  of  fire  !  a  dreadful  cry, 

Impress'd  each  heart  with  deep  dismay ; 
While  the  fierce  blaze  and  redd'ning  sky 
Made  midnight  wear  the  face  of  day. 

6  The  throng  and  terror  who  can  speak  ? 

The  various  sounds  that  fill'd  the  air ! 
The  infant's  wail,  the  mother's  shriek, 
The  voice  of  blasphemy  and  pray'r ! 

7  But  pray 'r  prevail'd  and  sav'd  the  town  ; 

The  few  who  lov'd  the  Saviour's  name 
Were  heard,  and  mercy  hasted  down, 
To  change  the  wind,  and  stop  the  flame. 
X 


Providences.  Book  II 

8  Oh,  may  that  night  be  ne'er  forgot ! 
Lord,  still  increase  thy  praying  few  ! 
Were  Olney  left  without  a  Lot,  .; 
Ruin  like  Sodom's  would  ensue. 

LXX.     A  Welcome  to  Christian  Friends. 

1  Kindred  in  Christ,  for  his  dear  sake, 

A  hearty  welcome  here  receive  ; 
May  we  together  now  partake, 
The  joys  which  only  he  can  give ! 

2  To  you  and  us  by  grace  'tis  giv'n 

To  know  the  Saviour's  precious  name  ; 
And  shortly  we  shall  meet  in  heav'n, 
Our  hope,  our  way,  our  end,  the  same. 

3  May  he,  by  whose  kind  care  we  meet, 

Send  his  good  Spirit  from  above, 
Make  our  communications  sweet, 

And  cause  our  hearts  to  burn  with  love  ! 

4  Forgotten  be  each  worldly  theme, 

When  Christians  see  each  other  thus  ; 
We  only  wish  to  speak  of  him, 

Who  liv'd,  and  dy'd,  and  reigns  for  us. 

5  We'll  talk  of  all  he  did  and  said, 

And  suffer'd  for  us  here  below ; 
The  path  he  mark'd  for  us  to  tread, 
And  what  he's  doing  for  us  now. 

6  Thus,  as  the  moments  pass  away, 

We'll  love,  and  wonder,  and  adore ; 
And  hasten  on  the  glorious  day, 

When  we  shall  meet  to  part  no  more. 


Hymn  11.  Providences.  243 

LXXI.       At  Parting. 

1  As  the  sun's  enliv'ning  eye 

Shines  on  ev'ry  place  the  same  ; 
So  the  Lord  is  alwa)  s  nigh 

To  the  souls  that  love  his  name. 

2  When  they  move  at  duty's  call, 

He  is  with  them  by  the  way ; 
He  is  ever  with  them  all, 

Those  who  go,  and  those  who  stay. 

3  From  his  holy  mercy- seat 

Nothing  can  their  souls  confine ; 
Still  in  spirit  they  may  meet, 
And  m  sweet  communion  join. 

4  For  a  season  call'd  to  part, 

Let  us  then  ourselves  commend 
To  the  gracious  eye  and  heart 
Of  our  ever-present  Friend. 

5  Jesus,  hear  our  humble  pray'r  ! 

Tender  Shepherd  of  thy  sheep ! 
Let  thy  mercy  and  thy  care 
All  our  souls  in  safety  keep. 

6  In  thy  strength  may  we  be  strong, 

Sweeten  ev'ry  cross  and  pain  ; 
Give  us,  if  we  live,  ere  long, 
Here  to  meet  in  peace  again. 

7  Then,  if  thou  thy  help  afford, 

Ebenezers  shall  be  rear'd  ; 
And  our  souls  shall  praise  the  Lord, 
Who  our  poor  petitions  heard. 


244  Providences.  Book  II. 

FUNERAL  HYMNS. 

LXXII.     On  the  Death  of  a  Believer. 

1  In  vain  my  fancy  strives  to  paint 

The  moment  after  death, 
The  glories  that  surround  the  saints, 
When  yielding  up  their  breath. 

2  One  gentle  sigh  their  fetters  breaks ; 

We  scarce  can  say,  "  They're  gone Vy 
Before  the  willing  spirit  takes 
Her  mansion  near  the  throne. 

3  Faith  strives,  but  all  its  efforts  fail, 

To  trace  her  in  her  flight : 
No  eye  can  pierce  within  the  vail 
Which  hides  that  world  of  light. 

4  Thus  much,  (and  this  is  all,)  we  know, 

They  are  completely  blest ; 
Have  done  with  sin,  and  care,  and  wo, 
And  with  their  Saviour  rest. 

5  On  harps  of  gold  they  praise  his  name, 

His  face  they  always  view  : 
Then  let  us  follow'rs  be  of  them, 
That  we  may  praise  him  too. 

6  Their  faith  and  patience,  love  and  zeal, 

Should  make  their  mem'ry  dear  ; 
And,  Lord,  do  thou  the  pray'rs  fulfil 
They  offer'd  for  us  here ! 

7  While  they  have  gain'd,  we  losers  are, 

We  miss  them  day  by  day  ; 
But  thou  canst  ev'ry  breach  repair, 
And  wipe  our  tears  away. 


Hymn  74.  Providences,  245 

8  We  pray,  as  in  Elisba's  case, 
When  great  Elijah  went, 
May  double  portions  of  thy  grace, 
To  us  who  stay,  be  sent. 

LXXIII.     C.      On  the  Death  of  a  Minister. 

1  His  master  taken  from  his  head, 

Elisha  saw  him  go  ; 
And,  in  desponding  accents  said, 
"  Ah,  what  must  Israel  do  !" 

2  But  he  forgot  the  Lord  who  lifts 

The  beggar  to  the  throne ; 
Nor  knew  that  all  Elijah's  gifts 
Will  soon  be  made  his  own. 

3  What !  when  a  Paul  has  run  his  course  ; 

Or  when  Apollos  dies, 
Is  Israel  left  without  resource, 
And  have  we  no  supplies  ? 

4  Yes,  while  the  dear  Redeemer  lives, 

We  have  a  boundless  store, 
And  shall  be  fed  wTith  what  he  gives, 
Who  lives  for  evermore. 

LXXIV.     The  tolling  Bell. 

1  Oft  as  the  bell,  with  solemn  toll, 
Speaks  the  departure  of  a  soul, 
Let  each  one  ask  himself,  "  Am  I 

"  Prepar'd,  should  I  be  calPd,  to  die ?" 

2  Only  this  frail  and  fleeting  breath 
Preserves  me  from  the  jaws  of  death  ; 
Soon  as  it  fails,  at  once  I'm  gone, 
And  plungd  into  a  world  unknown, 

X  2 


24$  Providences.  Book  II, 

3  Then  leaving  all  I  lov'd  below, 
To  God's  tribunal  I  must  go  ; 

Must  hear  the  Judge  pronounce  my  fate, 
And  fix  my  everlasting  state. 

4  But  could  I  bear  to  hear  him  say, 
"  Depart,  accursed,  far  away  ! 

"  With  Satan,  in  the  lowest  hell, 

"  Thou  art  for  ever  doom'd  to  dwell/' 

5  Lord  Jesus,  help  me  now  to  flee, 
And  seek  my  hope  alone  in  thee ; 
Apply  thy  blood,  thy  Spirit  give, 
Subdue  my  sin,  and  let  me  live. 

6  Then,  when  the  solemn  bell  I  hear, 
If  sav'd  from  guilt,  I  need  not  fear  ; 
Nor  would  the  thought  distressing  be, 
Perhaps  it  next  may  toll  for  me. 

7  Rather,  my  spirit  would  rejoice, 

And  long,  and  wish,  to  hear  thy  voice  ; 
Glad  when  it  bids  me  earth  resign, 
Secure  of  heav'n,  if  thou  art  mine. 

LXXV-.     Hope  beyond  the  Grave. 

1  My  soul,  this  curious  house  of  clay, 

Thy  present  frail  abode, 
Must  quickly  fall  to  worms  a  prey, 
And  thou  return  to  God. 

2  Canst  thou,  by  faith,  survey  with  joy 

The  change  before  it  come  ? 
And  say,  "  Let  death  this  house  destroy, 
"  I  have  a  heav'nly  home  !" 


Hymn  76.  Providences.  2& 

3  The  Saviour,  whom  I  then  shall  see 

With  new  admiring  eyes, 
Already  has  prepar'd  for  me. 
A  mansion  in  the  skies*. 

4  I  feel  this  mud-wall'd  cottage  shake. 

And  long  to  see  it  fall ; 
That  I  my  willing  flight  may  take 
To  him  who  is  my  all. 

5  Burden'd  and  groaning  then  no  more, 

My  rescu'd  soul  shall  sing, 
As  up  the  shining  path  I  soar, 

"  Death,  thou  hast  lost  thy  sting." 

6  Dear  Saviour,  help  us  now  to  seek, 

And  know  thy  grace's  pow'r ; 
That  we  may  all  this  language  speak,, 
Before  the  dying  hour. 

LXXVI.      There  the  Weary  are  at  Rest. 

1  Courage,  my  soul !  behold  the  prize 

The  Saviour's  love  provides ; 
Eternal  life  beyond  the  skies 
For  all  whom  here  he  guides. 

2  The  wicked  cea&  \  from  troubling  there, 

The  weary  are  at  restf  ; 
Sorrow,  and  sin,  and  pain,  and  care, 
No  more  approach  the  blest. 

3  A  wicked  world,  and  wicked  heart, 

With  Satan  now  are  join'd ; 
Each  acts  a  too  successful  part 
In  harassing  my  mind. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  1.  t  Jobiii.  17. 


343  Providences.  Book  II. 

4  In  conflict  with  this  threefold  troop 

How  weary,  Lord,  am  I ! 
Did  not  thy  promise  bear  me  up, 
My  soul  must  faint  and  die. 

5  But  fighting  in  my  Saviour's  strength, 

Though  mighty  are  my  foes, 
I  shall  a  conqu'ror  be  at  length 
Oer  all  that  can  oppose. 

6  Then  why  my  soul,  complain  or  fear  ? 

The  crown  of  glory  see  ! 
The  more  I  toil  and  suffer  here, 
The  sweeter  rest  will  be. 

LXXVII.      The  Day  of  Judgment. 

1  Day  of  judgment,  day  of  wonders! 

Hark  !  the  trumpet's  awful  sound, 
Louder  than  a  thousand  thunders, 

Shakes  the  vast  creation  round !   [found! 
How  the  summons  will  the  sinner's  heart  con- 

2  See  the  Judge,  our  nature  wearing, 

Cloth'd  in  majesty  divine ! 
You  who  long  for  his  appearing, 

Then  shall  say,  "  This  God  is  mine  !" 
Gracious  Saviour,  o  wn  me  in  that  day  for  thine ! 

3  At  his  call,  the  dead  awaken, 

Rise  to  life  from  earth  and  sea  ; 
All  the  pow'rs  of  nature  shaken  . 
By  his  looks  prepare  to  flee  : 
Careless  sinner,  what  will  then  become  of  thee? 

4  Horrors  past  imagination 

Will  surprise  your  trembling  heart, 
When  you  hear  your  condemnation, 
"  Hence,  accursed  wretch,  depart ! 
1 '  Thou  with  Satan  and  his  angels  have  thy  part ! '  * 


Hymn  78.  Providences.  249 

5  Satan,  who  now  tries  to  please  you, 
Lest  you  timely  warning  take, 
When  that  word  is  past,  will  seize  you, 
Plunge  you  in  the  burning  lake  : 

Think,  poor  sinner,  thy  eternal  all's  at  stake. 

0  But  to  those  who  have  confessed, 
Lov'd  and  serv'd  the  Lord  below, 
He  will  say,  "  Come  near,  ye  blessed, 
"  See  the  kingdom  I  bestow ; 

u  You  for  ever  shall  my  love  and  glory  know." 

7  Under  sorrows  and  reproaches, 

May  this  thought  your  courage  raise  ; 
Swiftly  God's  great  day  approaches, 
Sighs  shall  then  be  chang'd  to  praise  : 
We  shall  triumph  when  the  world  is  in  a  blaze. 


LXXVIII.     The  Day  of  the  Lord*. 

1  Go  d  with  one  piercing  glance  looks  through 

Creation's  wide-extended  frame ; 
The  past  and  future  in  his  view, 
And  days  and  ages,  are  the  samef . 

2  Sinners  who  dare  provoke  his  face, 

Who  on  his  patience  long  presume, 
And  trifle  out  his  day  of  grace, 
Will  find  he  has  a  day  of  doom. 

3  As  pangs  the  lab 'ring  woman  feels, 

Or  as  the  thief,  in  midnight- sleep  ! 
So  comes  that  day,  for  which  the  wheels 
Of  time  their  ceaseless  motion  keep  ! 

*  Book  iii.  Hymn  4.  f  2  Pet.  Hi.  8 — 10. 


250  Providences.  Book  II. 

4  Hark !  from  the  sky,  the  trump  proclaims 

Jesus  the  Judge  approaching  nigh  ! 
See,  the  creation  wrapt  in  flames, 
First  kindled  by  his  vengeful  eye ! 

5  When  thus  the  mountains  melt  like  wax  ; 

When  earth,  and  air,  and  sea  shall  burn ; 
When  all  the  frame  of  nature  breaks, 
Poor  sinner,  whither  wilt  thou  turn  ? 

6  The  puny  works  which  feeble  men 

Now  boast,  or  covet,  or  admire  ; 
Their  pomp,  and  arts,  and  treasures,  then 
Shall  perish  in  one  common  fire, 

7  Lord,  fix  our  hearts  and  hopes  above ! 

Since  all  below  to  ruin  tends  ; 
Here  may  we  trust,  obey  and  love, 

And  there  be  found  amongst  thy  friends. 

LXXXIX.     The  great  Tribunal*. 

1  John,  in  a  vision,  saw  the  day 

When  the  Judge  will  hasten  down  : 
Heav'n  and  earth  shall  flee  away 

From  the  terror  of  his  frown : 
Dead. and  living,  small  and  great, 

Raised  from  the  earth  and  sea, 
At  his  bar  shall  hear  their  fate, 

What  will  then  become  of  me  ? 

2  Can  I  bear  his  awful  looks  ? 

Shall  I  stand  in  judgment  then, 
When  I  see  the  open'd  books, 
Written  by  th'  Almighty's  pen  ? 

*  Rev.  xx.   11,  12. 


Hymn  79.  Providences.  ^ol 

If  he  to  remembrance  bring, 

And  expose  to  public  view, 
Ev'ry  work  and  secret  thing, 

Ah,  my  soul,  what  canst  thou  do  ? 

3  When  the  list  shall  be  produc'd 

Of  the  talents  I  enjoy'd ; 
Means  and  mercies,  how  abus'd ! 

Time  and  strength,  how  misemploy 'd ! 
Conscience  then,  compell'd  to  read, 

Must  allow  the  charge  is  true  ; 
Say,  my  soul,  what  canst  thou  plead 

In  that  hour,  what  wilt  thou  do  ? 

4  But  the  book  of  life  I  see, 

May  my  name  be  written  there  ! 
Then  from  guilt  and  danger  free, 

Glad  I'll  meet  him  in  the  air  : 
That's  the  book  I  hope  to  plead, 

'Tis  the  Gospel  open'd  wide ; 
Lord,  I  am  a  wretch  indeed ! 

I  have  sinn'd,  but  thou  hast  dy'd*. 

5  Now  my  soul  knows  what  to  do ; 

Thus  I  shall  with  boldness  stand, 
Number 'd  with  the  faithful  few, 

Own'd  and  sav'd,  at  thy  right  hand : 
If  thou  help  a  feeble  worm 

To  believe  thy  promise  now, 
Justice  will  at  last  confirm 

What  thy  mercy  wrought  below, 

*   Rom.  viii.  34. 


252  €r  cation.  Book  II # 

IV.  CREATION. 

LXXX.     The  Old  and  New  Creation. 

1  That  was  a  wonder-working  word 

Which  could  the  vast  creation  raise  I 
Angels,  attendant  on  their  Lord, 

Admir'd  the  plan,  and  sung  his  praise*. 

2  From  what  a  dark  and  shapeless  mass, 

All  nature  sprang  at  his  command  ! 
Let  there  be  light,  and  light  there  was, 
And  sun,  and  stars,  and  sea,  and  land. 

3  With  equal  speed  the  earth  and  seas 

Their  mighty  Maker's  voice  obey'd ; 
He  spake,  and  straight  the  plants  and  trees, 
And  birds,  and  beasts,  and  man  were  made. 

4  But  man,  the  Lord  and  crown  of  all, 

By  sin  his  honour  soon  defac'd  ; 
His  heart,  (how  alter'd  since  the  fall ! ) 
Is  dark,  deform'd,  and  void,  and  waste. 

5  The  new  creation  of  the  soul 

Does  now  no  less  his  pow'r  display, 
Than  when  he  form'd  the  mighty  whole, 
And  kindled  darkness  into  dayf . 

6  Though  self-destroy'd,  O  Lord,  we  are, 

Yet  let  us  feel  what  thou  canst  do  ; 
Thy  word  the  ruin  can  repair, 
And  all  our  hearts  create  anew. 
*  Job  xxxviii.  7.  t  2  Cor.  iv.  6. 


Hymn  81.  Creation.  253 

LXXXI.    The  Book  of  Creation. 

1  The  book  of  nature  open  lies, 

With  much  instruction  stor'd ; 
But,  till  the  Lord  anoints  our  eyes, 
We  cannot  read  a  word. 

2  Philosophers  have  por'd  in  vain, 

And  guess'd  from  age  to  age  ; 
For  reason's  eye  could  ne'er  attain 
To  understand  a  page. 

3  Though  to  each  star  they  give  a  name, 

Its  size  and  motions  teach  ; 
The  truths  which  all  the  stars  proclaim 
Their  wisdom  cannot  reach. 

4  With  skill  to  measure  earth  and  sea, 

And  weigh  the  subtle  air ; 
They  cannot,  Lord,  discover  thee, 
Though  present  ev'ry  where. 

5  The  knowledge  of  the  saints  excels 

The  wisdom  of  the  schools ; 
To  them  his  secrets  God  reveals, 
Though  men  account  them  fools. 

6  To  them  the  sun  and  stars  on  high, 

The  flow'rs  that  paint  the  field, 
And  all  the  artless  birds  that  fly, 
Divine  instruction  yield*. 

7  The  creatures  on  their  senses  press, 

As  witnesses  to  prove 
Their  Saviour's  pow'r  and  faithfulness, 
His  providence  and  love. 

*  Matth.  vi.  26—28. 

Y 


254  Creation.  Book  II. 

8  Thus  may  we  study  nature's  book, 
To  make  us  wise  indeed ! 
And  pity  those  who  only  look 
At  what  they  cannot  read*. 


LXXXII.      The  Rainbow. 

When  the  sun,  with  cheerful  beams, 

Smiles  upon  a  low'ring  sky, 
Soon  its  aspect  sorVned  seems, 
And  a  rainbow  meets  the  eye : 
While  the  sky  remains  serene, 
This  bright  arch  is  never  seen. 

Thus  the  Lord's  supporting  pow'r 

Brightest  to  his  saints  appears, 
When  affliction's  threat'ning  hour 
Fills  their  sky  with  clouds  and  fears  : 
He  can  wonders  then  perform, 
Paint  a  rainbow  on  the  storm  f. 

All  their  graces  doubly  shine, 

When  their  troubles  press  them  sore ; 
And  the  promises  divine 

Give  them  joys  unknown  before  : 
As  the  colours  of  the  bow 
To  the  cloud  their  brightness  owe. 

Favour'd  John  a  rainbow  saw,     • 

Circling  round  the  throne  above  J; 
Hence  the  saints  a  pledge  may  draw 
Of  unchanging  cov'nant-love : 
Clouds  a  while  may  intervene, 
But  the  bow  will  still  be  seen. 

*  Rom.  i.  20.         |  Gen.  ix.  14.         \  Rev.  iv.  3. 


Hymn  83.  Creation,  255 

LXXXIII.      Thunder. 

1  When  a  black  o'erspreading  cloud 

Has  darkened  all  the  air, 
And  peals  of  thunder,  roaring  loud, 
Proclaim  the  tempest  near  ; 

2  Then  guilt  and  fear,  the  fruits  of  sin, 

The  sinner  oft  pursue ; 
A  louder  storm  is  heard  within, 
And  conscience  thunders  too. 

3  The  law  a  fiery  language  speaks, 

His  danger  he  perceives ; 
Like  Satan,  who  his  ruin  seeks, 
He  trembles  and  believes. 

4  But  when  the  sky  serene  appears, 

And  thunders  roll  no  more, 
He  soon  forgets  his  vows  and  fears, 
Just  as  he  did  before. 

5  But  whither  shall  the  sinner  flee, 

When  nature's  mighty  frame, 
The  pond'rous  earth,  and  air,  and  sea, 
Shall  all  dissolve  in  flame*  ? 

6  Amazing  day  !  it  comes  apace ! 

The  Judge  is  hasting  down  ! 

Will  sinners  bear  to  see  his  face, 

Or  stand  before  his  frown  ? 

7  Lord,  let  thy  mercy  find  a  way 
To  touch  each  stubborn  heart ; 
That  they  may  never  hear  thee  say, 
u  Ye  cursed  ones,  depart." 

*  2  Pet.  iii.  10. 


256  Creation.  Book  II. 

8  Believers,  ye  may  well  rejoice  ! 
The  thunder's  loudest  strains 
Should  be  to  you  a  welcome  voice, 
That  tells  you,  "  Jesus  reigns  !" 

LXXXIV.     Lightning  in  the  Kight. 

1  A  glance  from  heav'n  with  sweet  effeqt, 

Sometimes  my  pensive  spirit  cheers  ; 
But  ere  I  can  my  thoughts  collect, 
As  suddenly  it  disappears. 

2  So  lightning  in  the  gloom  of  night 

Affords  a  momentary  day  ; 
Disclosing  objects  full  in  sight, 

Which  soon  as  seen  are  snatch'd  away. 

3  Ah  !  what  avail  these  pleasing  scenes ! 

They  do  but  aggravate  my  pain  ; 

While  darkness  quickly  intervenes, 

And  swallows  up  my  joys  again. 

4  But  shall  I  murmur  at  relief? 

Though  short,  it  was  a  precious  view, 
Sent  to  control  my  unbelief, 

And  prove  that  what  I  read  was  true. 

5  The  lightning's  flash  did  not  create 

The  opening  prospect  it  re  veal  'd  ; 
But  only  show'd  the  real  state 

Of  what  the  darkness  had  conceal'd. 

6  Just  so,  we  by  a  glimpse  discern 

The  glorious  things  within  the  vail ', 
That,  when  in  darkness,  we  may  learn 
To  live  by  faith,  till  light  prevail. 


Hymn  85.  Creation,  257 

7  The  Lord's  great  day  will  soon  advance, 
Dispersing  all  the  shades  of  night ; 
Then  we  no  more  shall  need  a  glance, 
But  see  by  an^ternal  light. 

LXXXV.      On  the  Eclipse  of  the  Moon. 
July  30,  1776. 

1  The  moon  in  silver  glory  shone, 

And  not  a  cloud  in  sight, 
When  suddenly  a  shade  begun 
To  intercept  her  light. 

2  How  fast  across  her  orb  it  spread, 

How  fast  her  light  withdrew  ! 
A  circle  ting'd  with  languid  red, 
Was  all  appear 'd  in  view. 

3  While  many,  with  unmeaning  eye, 

Gaze  on  thy  works  in  vain, 
Assist  me  Lord,  that  I  may  try 
Instruction  to  obtain. 

4  Fain  would  my  thankful  heart  and  lips 

Unite  in  praise  of  thee, 
And  meditate  on  thy  eclipse, 
In  sad  Gethsemane. 

5_Thy  people's  guilt,  a  heavy  load, 
(When  standing  in  thtii  room,) 
Depriv'd  thee  of  the  light  of  God, 
And  fill'd  thy  soul  with  gloom. 

6  How  punctually  eclipses  move, 
Obedient  to  thy  will ! 
Thus  shall  thy  faithfulness  and  love 
Thy  promises  fulfil. 
Y  2 


258  Creation.  Book  II 

7  Dark,  like  the  moon  without  the  sun, 

I  mourn  thine  absence,  Lord ! 
For  light  or  comfort  I  have  none 
But  what  thy  beams  afford. 

8  But,  lo !  the  hour  draws  near  apace, 

When  changes  shall  be  o'er ; 
Then  I  shall  see  thee  face  to  face*, 
And  be  eclips'd  no  more. 

LXXXVI.     Moon-light. 

1  The  moon  has  but  a  borrow'd  light, 

A  faint  and  feeble  ray  ; 
She  owes  her  beauty  to  the  night, 
And  hides  herself  by  day. 

2  No  cheering  warmth  her  beam  conveys, 

Though  pleasing  to  behold ; 
We  might  upon  her  brightness  gaze 
Till  we  were  starv'd  with  cold. 

3  Just  such  is  all  the  light  to  man 

Which  reason  can  impart ; 

It  cannot  show  one  object  plain, 

Nor  warm  the  frozen  heart. 

4  Thus  moon-light  views  of  truth  divine 

To  many  fatal  prove  ; 
For  what  avail  in  gifts  to  shine 
Without  a  spark  of  lovef  ? 

5  The  Gospel,  like  the  sun  at  noon, 

Affords  a  glorious  light ; 
Then  fallen  reason's  boasted  moon 
Appears  no  longer  bright. 

*  1  Cor.  xiii.  12.  t  1  Cor.  xiii.  1. 


Hymn  87.  Creation  259 

6  And  grace  not  light  alone  bestows, 
But  adds  a  quick 'ning  pow'r ; 
The  desert  blossoms  like  the  rose*, 
And  sin  prevails  no  more. 

LXXXVII.      The   Sea\. 

1  If  for  a  time  the  air  be  calm 

Serene  and  smooth  the  sea  appears, 
And  shows  no  danger  to  alarm 

The  unexperienc'd  landsman's  fears  : 

2  But  if  the  tempest  once  arise, 

The  faithless  water  swells  and  raves  : 
Its  billows,  foaming  to  the  skies, 

Disclose  a  thousand  threat'ning  graves. 

3  My  untry'd  heart  thus  seem'd  to  me, 

(So  little  of  myself  I  knew,) 
Smooth  as  the  calm  unruffled  sea, 

But,  ah  !  it  prov'd  as  treach'rous  too ! 

4  The  peace  of  which  I  had  a  taste 

When  Jesus  first  his  love  reveal'd, 
I  fondly  hop'd  would  always  last, 

Because  my  foes  were  then  conceal'd. 

5  But  when  I  felt  the  tempter's  pow'r 

Rouse  my  corruptions  from  their  sleep, 
I  trembled  at  the  stormy  hour, 
And  saw  the  horrors  of  the  deep. 

Now  on  presumption's  billows  borne, 
My  spirit  seem'd  the  Lord  to  dare ; 

Now,  quick  as  thought,  a  sudden  turn 
Plung'd  me  in  gulfs  of  black  despair. 

*  Isaiah  xxxv.  I.         t  Book  i.  Hymn  115, 


260  Creation.  Book  II. 

7  Lord,  save  me,  or  I  sink,  I  pray'd ; 

He  heard,  and  bid  the  tempest  cease  ; 
The  angry  waves  his  word  obey'd, 

And  all  my  fears  were  hush'd  to  peace. 

8  The  peace  is  his,  and  not  my  own, 

My  heart,  (no  better  than  before,) 
Is  still  to  dreadful  changes  prone, 
Then  let  me  never  trust  it  more. 


LXXXVIII.      The  Flood. 

1  Though  small  the  drops  of  falling  rain, 

If  one  be  singly  view'd ; 
Collected,  they  o'erspread  the  plain, 
And  form  a  mighty  flood. 

2  The  house  it  meets  with  in  its  course 

Should  not  be  built  on  clay, 
Lest,  with  a  wild  resistless  force, 
It  sweep  the  whole  away. 

3  Though  for  a  while  it  seem'd  secure, 

It  will  not  bear  the  shock, 

Unless  it  has  foundations  sure, 

And  stands  upon  a  rock. 

4  Thus  sinners  think  their  ev  il  deeds, 

Like  drops  of  rain,  are  small ; 
But  it  the  powV  of  thought  exceeds, 
To  count  the  sum  of  all. 

5  One  sin  can  raise,  though  small  it  seems, 

A  flood  to  drown  the  soul ; 
What  then,  when  countless  million  streams 
Shall  join  to  swell  the  whole. 


Hymn  89.  Creation.  261 

6  Yet,  while  they  think  the  weather  fair, 

If  warn'd,  they  smile  or  frown  ; 
But  they  will  tremble  and  despair, 
When  the  fierce  flood  comes  down, 

7  Oh  !  then  on  Jesus  ground  your  hope, 

That  stone  in  Zion  laid*  ; 
Lest  your  poor  building  quickly  drop, 
With  ruin  on  your  head. 

LXXXIX.      The  Thaw. 

1  The  ice  and  snow  we  lately  saw, 

Which  coverM  all  the  ground, 
Are  melted  soon  before  the  thaw, 
And  can  no  more  be  found. 

2  Could  all  the  art  of  man  suffice 

To  move  away  the  snow, 
To  clear  the  rivers  from  the  ice, 
Or  make  the  waters  flow  ? 

3  No,  'tis  the  work  of  God  alone ; 

An  emblem  of  the  pbw'r 
By  which  he  melts  the  heart  of  stone 
In  his  appointed  hour. 

4  All  outward  means,  till  he  appeal's, 

Will  ineffectual  prove ; 
Though  much  the  sinner  sees  and  hears, 
He  cannot  learn  to  love. 

5  But  let  the  stoutest  sinner  feel 

The  soft'ning  warmth  of  grace, 
Though  hard  as  ice,  or  rocks,  or  steel, 
His  heart  dissolves  apace. 

*  Matth.  vii.  24. ;    1  Pet.  ii.  6. 


Creation.  Book  If. 

6  Seeing  the  blood  which  Jesus  spilt, 

To  save  his  soul  from  wo, 

His  hatred,  unbelief,  and  guilt, 

All  melt  away  like  snow. 

7  Jesus,  we  in  thy  name  entreat, 

Reveal  thy  gracious  arm  ; 
And  grant  thy  Spirit's  kindly  heat, 
Our  frozen  hearts  to  warm. 


XC.      The  Loadstone. 

1  As  needles  point  towards  the  pole, 

When  touch'd  by  the  magnetic  stone  ; 
So  faith  in  Jesus  gives  the  soul 
A  tendency  before  unknown. 

2  Till  then,  by  blinded  passions  led, 

In  search  of  fancy'd  good  we  range ; 
The  paths  of  disappointment  tread, 
To  nothing  fix'd,  but  love  of  change. 

3  But  when  the  Holy  Ghost  imparts 

A  knowledge  of  the  Saviour's  love, 

Our  wand'ring,  weary,  restless  hearts, 

Are  fix'd  at  once,  no  more  to  move. 

4  Now  a  new  principle  takes  place, 

Which  guides  and  animates  the  will ; 
This  love,  another  name  for  grace, 
Constrains  to  good,  and  bars  from  ill. 

5  By  love's  pure  light  we  soon  perceive 

Our  noblest  bliss  and  proper  end ; 
And  gladly  ev'ry  idol  leave, 

To  love  and  serve  our  Lord  and  Friend. 


Hymn  01.  Creatioyu  263 

6  Thus  borne  along  by  faith  and  hope, 

We  feel  the  Saviour's  words  are  true ; 
"  And  I,  if  I  be  lifted  up, 

u  Will  draw  the  sinner  upward  too*." 

•XCI.    The  Sfiider  and  Bee. 

1  On  the  same  flow'r  we  often  see 
The  loathsome  spider  and  the  bee ; 
But  what  they  get  by  working  there 
Is  different,  as  their  natures  are. 

2  The  bee  a  sweet  reward  obtains, 
And  honey  well  repays  his  pains ; 
Home  to  the  hive  he  bears  the  store, 
And  then  returns  in  quest  of  more. 

3  But  no  sweet  flowVs  that  grace  the  field 
Can  honey  to  the  spider  yield ; 

A  cobweb  all  that  he  can  spin, 
And  poison  all  he  stores  within. 

4  Thus  in  that  sacred  field,  the  Word, 
With  flow'rs  of  God's  own  planting  stor'd, 
Like  bees  his  children  feed  and  thrive, 
And  bring  home  honey  to  the  hive. 

5  There,  spider-like,  the  wicked  come, 
And  seem  to  taste  the  sweet  perfume  ; 
But  the  vile  venom  of  their  hearts 

To  poison  all  their  food  converts. 

6  From  the  same  truths  believers  prize, 
They  weave  vain  refuges  of  lies ; 
And  from  the  promise  license  draw, 
To  trifle  with  the  holy  law. 

*  John  xii.  32. 


264  Creation.  Book  II. 

7  Lord,  shall  thy  word  of  life  and  love 
The  means  of  death  to  numbers  prove  ? 
Unless  thy  grace  our  hearts  renew, 
We  sink  to  hell,  with  heav'n  in  view*. 

XCII.      The  Bee  saved  from  the  Spider. 

1  The  subtle  spider  often  weaves 

His  unsuspected  snares 
Among  the  balmy  fiow'rs  and  leaves, 
To  which  the  bee  repairs. 

2  When  in  his  web  he  sees  one  hang, 

With  a  malicious  joy, 
He  darts  upon  it  with  his  fang, 
To  poison  and  destroy. 

3  How  welcome  then  some  pitying  friend, 

To  save  the  threaten'd  bee  ! 
The  spider's  treach'rous  web  to  rend, 
And  set  the  captive  free. 

4  My  soul  has  been  in  such  a  case  : 

When  first  I  knew  the  Lord, 
I  hasted  to  the  means  of  grace, 

Where  sweets  I  knew  were  stor'd. 

5  Little  I  thought  of  danger  near, 

That  soon  nry  joys  would  ebb  ; 
But,  ah  !  I  met  a  spider  there,  • 
Who  caught  me  in  his  web. 

6  Then  Satan  rais'd  his  pois'nous  sting, 

And  aim'd  his  blows  at  me  ; 
While  I,  poor,  helpless,  trembling  thing, 
Could  neither  fight  nor  flee. 
*  Book  iii.  Hymn  7 1 . 


Hymn  93.  Creation, 

7  But,  oh !  the  Saviour's  pitying  eye 

Reliev'd  me  from  despair  ; 
He  saw  me  at  the  point  to  die, 
And  broke  the  fatal  snare. 

8  My  case  his  heedless  saints  should  warn, 

Or  cheer  them  if  afraid  ; 
May  you  from  me  your  danger  learn, 
And  where  to  look  for  aid. 


XCIII.      The  tamed  Lion. 

1  A  lion,  though  by  nature  wild, 

The  art  of  man  can  tame ; 
He  stands  before  his  keeper,  mild, 
And  gentle  as  a  lamb. 

2  He  watches,  with  submissive  eye, 

The  hand  that  gives  him  food, 
As  if  he  meant  to  testify 
A  sense  of  gratitude. 

3  But  man  himself,  who  thus  subdues 

The  fiercest  beast  of  prey, 
A  nature  more  unfeeling  shows, 
And  far  more  fierce  than  they. 

4  Though  by  the  Lord  preserv'd  and  fed, 

He  proves  rebellious  still ; 
And  while  he  eats  his  Maker's  bread, 
Resists  his  holy  will. 

5  Alike  in  vain,  of  grace  that  saves, 

Or  threat'ning  law,  he  hears  ; 
The  savage  scorns,  blasphemes,  and  raves, 
But  neither  loves  nor  fears. 


266  Creation.  Book  II. 

6  O  Saviour!  how  thy  wond'rous  pow'r 

By  angels  is  proclaim'd, 
When  in  thine  own  appointed  hour, 
They  see  this  lion  tam'cl. 

7  The  love  thy  bleeding  cross  displays, 

The  hardest  heart  subdues  ; 
Here  furious  lions  while  they  gaze, 
Their  rage  and  fierceness  lose*. 

8  Yet  we  are  but  renew'd  in  part, 

The  lion  still  remains  ; 
Lord  drive  them  wholly  from  my  heart, 
Or  keep  him  fast  in  chains. 

XCIV.     Sheefi. 

1  The  Saviour  calls  his  people  sheep, 

And  bids  them  on  his  love  rely ; 
For  he  alone  their  souls  can  keep, 
And  he  alone  their  wants  supply. 

2  The  bull  can  fight,  the  hare  can  flee, 

The  ant,  in  summer,  food  prepare ; 
But  helpless  sheep,  and  such  are  we, 
Depend  upon  the  shepherd's  care. 

3  Jehovah  is  our  Shepherd's  name  f  ; 

Then  what  have  we,  tho'  weak,  to  fear? 
Our  sin  and  folly  we  proclaim, 
If  we  despond  while  he  is  near.' 

4  When  Satan  threatens  to  devour, 

When  troubles  press  on  every  side, 
Think  of  our  Shepherd's  care  and  pow'r, 
He  can  defend,  he  will  provide. 

*  Isaiah  xi.  6.  t  Psal.  xxiii.  1. 


Hymn  95.  Creation.  2G7 

5  See  the  rich  pastures  of  his  grace, 

Where,  in  full  streams,  salvation  flows  ! 
There  he  appoints  our  resting-place, 
And  we  may  feed,  secure  from  foes. 

6  There  'midst  the  flock,  the  Shepherd  dwells, 

The  sheep  around  in  safety  lie  ; 
The  wolf,  in  vain,  with  malice  swells, 
For  he  protects  them  with  his  eye*. 

7  Dear  Lord,  if  I  am  one  of  thine, 

From  anxious  thoughts  I  would  be  free ; 
To  trust,  and  love,  and  praise,  is  mine. 
The  care  of  all  belongs  to  thee. 

XCV.      The  Garden. 

1  A  garden  contemplation  suits, 

And  may  instruction  yield, 
Sweeter  than  all  the  flow'rs  and  fruits, 
With  which  the  spot  is  nil'd, 

2  Eden  was  Adam's  dwelling  place, 

While  blest  with  innocence  ; 
But  sin  o'erwhelm'd  him  with  disgrace, 
And  drove  the  rebel  thence. 

3  Oft  as  the  garden- walk  we  tread, 

We  should  bemoan  his  fall ; 
The  trespass  of  our  legal  head 
In  ruin  plung'd  us  all. 

4  The  garden  of  Gethsemane 

The  second  Adam  saw, 
Oppress'd  with  wo,  to  set  us  free 
From  the  avenging  law. 

*  Micah  v.  4. 


2G8  Creation.  Book  II. 

5  How  stupid  we,  who  can  forget, 

With  gardens  in  our  sight, 
His  agonies  and  bloody  sweat, 
In  that  tremendous  night ! 

6  His  church  as  a  fair  garden  stands, 

Which  walls  of  love  enclose  ; 
Each  tree  is  planted  by  his  hands*, 
And  by  his  blessing  grows. 

7  Believing  hearts  are  gardens  too, 

For  grace  has  sown  its  seeds, 
Where  once,  by  nature,  nothing  grew, 
But  thorns  and  worthless  weeds. 

8  Such  themes  to  those  who  Jesus  love, 

May  constant  joys  afford, 
And  make  a  barren  desert  prove 
The  garden  of  the  Lord. 

XCVI.     For  a  Garden-scat  or  Summer-house 

1  A  shelter  from  the  rain  or  windf, 

A  shade  from  scorching  heat, 
A  resting-place  you  here  may  find, 
To  ease  your  weary  feet. 

2  Enter,  but  with  a  serious  thought 

Consider  who  is  near  ! 
This  is  a  consecrated  spot, 
The  Lord  is  present  here  ! 

3  A  question  of  the  utmost  weight, 

While  reading,  meets  your  eye  ; 
May  conscience  witness  to  your  state, 
And  give  a  true  reply  ! 

*  Isa.  lxi.  3.  t  Isa.  xxxii.  2. 


Hymn  97.  Creation.  2G9 

4  Is  Jesus  to  your  heart  reveal'd, 

As  full  of  truth  and  grace  ? 
And  is  his  name  your  hope  and  shield, 
Your  rest  and  hiding  place  ? 

5  If  so,  for  all  events  prepar'd, 

Whatever  storms  may  rise, 
He,  whom  you  love,  will  safely  guard, 
And  guide  you  to  the  skies. 

6  No  burning  sun,  or  storm,  or  rain, 

Will  there  your  peace  annoy ; 
No  sin,  temptation,  grief,  or  pain, 
Intrude  to  damp  your  joy. 

7  But  if  his  name  you  have  not  known, 

Oh,  seek  him  while  you  may  ! 
Lest  you  should  meet  his  awful  frown, 
In  that  approaching  day. 

8  When  the  avenging  Judge  you  see, 

With  terrors  on  his  brow, 
Where  can  you  hide,  or  whither  flee, 
If  you  reject  him  now  ? 

XCVII.      The  Creatures  in  the  Lord's  hands.. 

1  The  water  stood  like  walls  of  brass, 
To  let  the  sons  of  Israel  pass* ; 
And  from  the  rock  in  rivers  burstf 

At  Moses'  pray'r,  to  quench  their  thirst. 

2  The  fire,  restrain'd  by  God's  commands, 
Could  only  burn  his  people's  bands, 
Too  faint,  when  he  was  with  them  there, 
To  singe  their  garments  or  their  hair  J. 

*  Exoch  xiv.  22.      t  Numb.  xx.  11.     \  Dan.  iii.  27. 


270  Creation.  Book  II. 

3  At  Daniel's  feet  the  lions  lay 

Like  harmless lambs,nortouch'dtheirprey*; 
And  ravens,  which  on  carrion  fed, 
Procur'd  Elijah  flesh  and  bread. 

4  Thus  creatures  only  can  fulfil 
Their  great  Creator's  holy  will ; 
And  when  his  servants  need  their  aid, 
His  purposes  must  be  obey'd. 

5  So  if  his  blessing  he  refuse. 

Their  pow'r  to  help  they  quickly  lose, 
Sure  as  on  creatures  we  depend, 
Our  hopes  in  disappointment  end. 

6  Then  let  us  trust  the  Lord  alone, 
And  creature- confidence  disown, 
Nor  if  they  threaten  need  we  fear, 
They  cannot  hurt  if  he  be  near. 

7  If  instruments  of  pain  they  prove, 
Still  they  are  guided  by  his  love  ; 
As  lancets  by  the  surgeon's  skill, 
Which  wound  to  cure,  and  not  to  kill. 

XCVIII.       On  Dreaming. 

1  When  slumber  seals  our  weary  eyes, 

The  busy  fancy  wakeful  keeps  ; 
The  scenes  which  then  before  us  rise, 
Prove  something  in  us  never  sleeps. 

2  As  in  another  world  we  seem, 

A  new  creation  of  our  own  ; 
All  appears  real,  though  a  dream, 
And  all  familiar,  though  unknown. 

*  Daniel  yi.  23. 


Hymn  99.  Creation.  271 

5  Sometimes  the  mind  beholds  again 
The  past  day's  business  in  review ; 
Resumes  the  pleasure  or  the  pain, 
And  sometimes  all  we  meet  is  new. 

4  What  schemes  we  form,  what  pains  we  take! 

We  fight,  we  run,  we  fly,  we  fall ; 
But  all  is  ended  when  we  wake, 
We  scarcely  then  a  trace  recall. 

5  But  though  our  dreams  are  often  wild, 

Like  clouds  before  the  driving  storm , 
Yet  some  important  may  be  sty  I'd, 
Sent  to  admonish  or  inform. 

6  What  mighty  agents  have  access, 

What  friends  from  heav'n,  or  foes  from  hell, 
Our  minds  to  comfort  or  distress, 
When  we  are  sleeping,  who  can  tell  ? 

7  One  thing  at  least,  and  'tis  enough, 

We  learn  from  this  surprising  fact ; 
Our  dreams  afford  sufficient  proof, 
The  soul,  without  the  flesh,  can  act. 

8  This  life,  which  mortals  so  esteem, 

That  many  choose  it  for  their  all, 
They  will  confess,  was  but  a  dream*, 
When  Vaken'd  by  death's  awful  call. 

XCIX.      The    World. 

1  See,  the  world  for  youth  prepares, 
Harlot  like,  her  gaudy  snares  ! 
Pleasures  round  her  seem  to  wait, 
But  'tis  all  a  painted  cheat. 

*  Isaiah  xxix.  8. 


272 


Creation, 


Book  II. 


2  Rash  and  unsuspecting  youth 
Thinks  to  find  thee  always  smooth, 
Always  kind,  till  better  taught, 

By  experience  dearly  bought. 

3  So  the  calm,  but  faithless  sea, 
(Lively  emblem,  world,  of  thee,) 
Tempts  the  shepherd  from  the  shore, 
Foreign  regions  to  explore. 

4  While  no  wrinkled  wave  is  seen, 
While  the  sky  remains  serene, 
Fill'd  with  hopes  and  golden  schemes, 
Of  a  storm  he  little  dreams. 

5  But  ere  long  the  tempest  raves, 
Then  he  trembles  at  the  waves ; 
Wishes  then  he  had  been  wise, 
But  too  late — he  sinks  and  dies. 

6  Hapless  thus  are  they,  vain  world, 
Soon  on  rocks  of  ruin  hurl'd, 
Who,  admiring  thee,  untry'd, 
Court  thy  pleasures,  wealth,  or  pride. 

7  Such  a  shipwreck  had  been  mine, 
Had  not  Jesus,  (name  divine !) 
Sav'd  me  with  a  mighty  hand, 
And  restor'd  my  soul  to  land. 

8  Now,  with  gratitude,  I  raise 
Ebenezers  to  his  praise ; 
Now  my  rash  pursuits  are  o'er, 

I  can  trust  thee,  world,  no  more. 


Hymn  1G0.  Creation.  273 


C.      The  enchantment  dissolved, 

1  Blinded  in  youth  by  Satan's  arts, 
The  world  to  our  unpractis'd  hearts 

A  flatt'ring  prospect  shows  ; 
Our  fancy  forms  a  thousand  schemes 
Of  gay  delights,  and  golden  dreams, 

And  undisturb'd  repose. 

2  So  in  the  desert's  dreary  waste, 
By  magic  pow'r  produc'd  in  haste, 

(As  ancient  fables  say,) 
Castles,  and  groves,  and  music  sweet, 
The  senses  of  the  trav'ller  meet, 

And  stop  him  in  his  way. 

3  But  while  he  listens  with  surprise, 
The  charm  dissolves,  the  vision  dies, 

'Twas  but  enchanted  ground ; 
Thus  if  the  Lord  our  spirit  touch, 
The  world,  which  promis'd  us  so  much, 

A  wilderness  is  found. 

4  At  first  we  start,  and  feel  distress'd, 
Convinc'd  we  never  can  have  rest 

In  such  a  wretched  place  ; 
But  he  whose  mercy  breaks  the  charm, 
Reveals  his  own  Almighty  arm, 

And  bids  us  seek  his  face. 

5  Then  we  begin  to  live  indeed, 
When  from  our  sin  and  bondage  freed 

By  this  beloved  Friend ; 
We  follow  him  from  day  to  day, 
Assur'd  of  grace  through  all  the  way, 

And  glory  at  the  end. 


OLNEY  HYMNS, 


BOOK  III. 

€>N  THE  RISE,  PROGRESS,  CHANGES,  AND  COM- 
FORTS  OF  THE  SPIRITUAL  LIFE  ; 

C  Under  the  following  heads  tj 

I.  Solemn  Addresses  to  Sinners. 

II.  Seeking-,  Pleading,  Hoping 

III.  Conflict. 

IV.  Comfort. 
V.  Dedication  and  Surrender. 

VI.  Cautions. 


VH.  Praise. 
VIH.  Short  Hymns. 
Before  Sermon. 
After  Sermon. 
Gloria  Patri. 


I.  SOLEMN  ADDRESSES  TO  SINNERS. 
HYMN  I.      Expostulation. 


iNo 


words  can  declare, 
No  fancy  can  paint, 
What  rage  and  despair, 
>  ■  What  hopeless  complaint, 
Fill  Satan's  dark  dwelling, 

The  prison  beneath : 
What  weeping  and  yelling, 
And  gnashing  of  teeth  ! 

2  Yet  sinners  will  choose 
This  dreadful  abode ; 

Each  madly  pursues 
The  dangerous  road ; 


Hymn  1.  To  Sinners,  275 

Though  God  give  them  warning, 

They  onward  will  go, 
They  answer  with  scorning, 

And  rush  upon  wro. 

3  How  sad  to  behold 

The  rich  and  the  poor, 
The  young  and  the  old, 

All  blindly  secure ! 
All  posting  to  ruin, 

Refusing  to  stop  : 
Ah  !  think  what  you're  doing, 

While  yet  there  is  hope  ! 

4  How  weak  is  your  hand, 

To  fight  with  the  Lord  ! 
How  can  you  withstand 

The  edge  of  his  sword  ? 
What  hope  of  escaping 

For  those  who  oppose, 
When  hell  is  wide  gaping 

To  swallow  his  foes  ! 

5  How  oft  have  you  dar'd 

The  Lord  to  his  face  ! 
Yet  still  you  are  spar'd 

To  hear  of  his  grace  ; 
Oh !  pray  for  repentance 

And  life-giving  faith, 
Before  the  just  sentence 

Consign  you  to  death. 

6  It  is  not  too  late 

To  Jesus  to  flee, 
His  mercy  is  great, 
His  pardon  is  free ! 


2/6  To  Sinners.  Book  III. 

His  blood  has  such  virtue, 

For  all  that  believe, 
That  nothing  can  hurt  you, 

If  him  you  receive. 


II.     Alarm. 


Stop,  poor  sinner !  stop  and  think 

Before  you  further  go ! 
Will  you  sport  upon  the  brink 

Of  everlasting  wo  ? 
Once  again,  I  charge,  you  stop  ! 

For,  unless  you  warning  take, 
Ere  you  are  aware,  you  drop 

Into  the  burning  lake  ! 

Say,  have  you  an  arm  like  God, 

That  you  his  will  oppose  ? 
Fear  you  not  that  iron  rod 

With  which  he  breaks  his  foes  ? 
Can  you  stand  in  that  dread  day, 

When  he  judgment  shall  proclaim, 
And  the  earth  shall  melt  away 

Like  wax  before  the  flame  ? 

Pale-fac'd  death  will  quickly  come, 

To  drag  you  to  his  bar  ; 
Then  to  hear  your  awful  doom 

Will  fill  you  with  despair. 
All  your  sins  will  round  you  crowd, 

Sins  of  a  blood- crimson  dye ; 
Each  for  vengeance  crying  loud, 

And  what  can  you  reply  ? 


Hymn  3.  To  Shiners,  277 

4  Though  your  heart  be  made  of  steel, 

Your  forehead  lin'd  with  brass, 
God  at  length  will  make  you  feel, 

He  will  not  let  you  pass  : 
Sinners  then  in  vain  will  call, 

(Though  they  now  despise  his  grace,) 
Rocks  and  mountains  on  us  fall, 

And  hide  us  from  his  face*. 

5  But  as  yet  there  is  a  hope 

You  may  his  mercy  know  ; 
Though  his  arm  is  lifted  up, 

He  still  forbears  the  blow : 
'Twas  for  sinners  Jesus  dy'd, 

Sinners  he  invites  to  come ; 
None  who  come  shall  be  deny'd, 

He  says,  "  There  still  is  roomf ." 


III.    We  were  once  as  you  are. 

1  Shall  men  pretend  to  pleasure 

Who  never  knew  the  Lord  ? 
Can  all  the  worldling's  treasure 

True  peace  of  mind  afford  ? 
They  shall  obtain  this  jewel, 

And  what  their  hearts  desire, 
When  they,  by  adding  fuel, 

Can  quench  the  flame  of  fire. 

2  Till  you  can  bid  the  ocean, 

When  furious  tempests  roar  J, 
Forget  its  wonted  motion, 

And  rage  and  swell  no  more  : 

*  Rev.  vi.  16.  f  Luke  xiv.  22.  \  Isa.  Ivii.  20,  21 

Z  A 


278  To  Sinners.  Book  III. 

In  vain  your  expectation 

To  find  content  in  sin ; 
Or  freedom  from  vexation 

While  passions  reign  within. 

3  Come  turn  your  thoughts  to  Jesus, 

If  you  would  good  possess  ; 
'Tis  he  alone  that  frees  us 

From  guilt  and  from  distress : 
When  he  by  faith  is  present, 

The  sinner's  troubles  cease  ; 
His  ways  are  truly  pleasant, 

And  all  his  paths  are  peace  &, 

4  Our  time  in  sin  we  wasted, 

And  fed  upon  the  wind ; 
Until  his  love  we  tasted, 

No  comfort  could  we  find : 
But  now  we  stand  to  witness 

His  pow'r  and  grace  to  you ; 
May  you  perceive  its  fitness, 

And  call  upon  him  too  ! 

5  Our  pleasure  and  our  duty, 

Though  opposite  before, 
Since  we  have  seen  his  beauty. 

Are  join'd  to  part  no  more  : 
It  is  our  highest  pleasure, 

No  less  than  duty's  call, 
To  love  him  beyond  measure, 

And  serve  him  with  our  all, 

*  Prov.  iii.  1 7. 


Hymn  4.  To  Sinners,  279 


IV.  Prepare  to  meet  God. 

1  Sinner,  art  thou  still  secure? 

Wilt  thou  still  refuse  to  pray  ? 
Can  thy  heart  or  hands  endure 

In  the  Lord's  avenging  day  ? 
See,  his  mighty  arm  is  bar'd ! 

Awful  terrors  clothe  his  brow ! 
For  his  judgment  stand  prepar'd, 

Thou  must  either  break  or  bow. 

2  At  his  presence  nature  shakes, 

Earth  affrighted  hastes  to  flee, 
Solid  mountains  melt  like  wax, 

What  will  then  become  of  thee? 
Who  his  advent  may  abide  ? 

You  that  glory  in  your  shame, 
Will  you  find  a  place  to  hide 

When  the  world  is  wrapt  in  flame  ? 

3  Then  the  rich,  the  great,  the  wise, 

Trembling,  guilty,  self-condemn'd, 
Must  behold  the  wrathful  eyes 

Of  the  Judge  they  once  blasphem'd 
Where  are  now  their  haughty  looks  ? 

Oh,  their  horror  and  despair  ! 
When  they  see  the  open'd  books, 

And  their  dreadful  sentence  hear  ! 

4  Lord,  prepare  us  by  thy  grace  ! 

Soon  we  must  resign  our  breath  ; 
And  our  souls  be  call'd,  to  pass 
Through  the  iron  gate  of  death : 


280  To  Sinners.  Book  ITT. 

Let  us  now  our  days  improve, 

Listen  to  the  Gospel  voice ; 
Seek  the  things  that  are  above, 

Scorn  the  world's  pretended  joys. 

5  Oh !  when  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail, 

Let  thy  love  our  spirits  cheer, 
Strengthen'd  thus  we  shall  prevail 

Over  Satan,  sin,  and  fear  : 
Trusting  in  thy  precious  name, 

May  we  thus  our  journey  end  ; 
Then  our  foes  shall  lose  their  aim, 

And  the  Judge  will  be  our  friend. 


V.  Invitation. 


1  Sinners,  hear  the  Saviour's  call, 

He  how  is  passing  by ; 
He  has  seen  thy  grievous  thrall, 

And  heard  thy  mournful  cry. 
He  has  pardons  to  impart, 

Grace  to  save  thee  from  thy  fears, 
See  the  love  that  fills  his  heart, 

And  wipe  away  thy  tears. 

2  Why  art  thou  afraid  to  come 

And  tell  him  all  thy  case  ? 
He  will  not  pronounce  thy  doom, 

Nor  frown  thee  from  his  face  ; 
Wilt  thou  fear  Immanuel  ? 

Wilt  thou  dread  the  Lamb  of  God, 
Who,  to  save  thy  soul  from  hell, 

Has  shed  his  precious  blood  ? 


Hymn  6.  To  Sinners.  231 

3  Think  how  on  the  cross  he  hung 

Pierc'd  with  a  thousand  wounds  I 
Hark,  from  each  as  with  a  tongue 

The  voice  of  pardon  sounds  ! 
See,  from  all  his  bursting  veins, 

Blood  of  wondrous  virtue  now  ! 
Shed  to  wash  away  thy  stains, 

And  ransom  thee  from  wo. 

4  Though  his  majesty  be  great, 

His  mercy  is  no  less  ; 
Though  he  thy  transgressions  hate, 

He  feels  for  thy  distress  : 
By  himself  the  Lord  has  sworn, 

He  delights  not  in  thy  death  * ; 
But  invites  thee  to  return, 

That  thou  may'st  live  by  faith. 

5  Raise  thy  downcast  eyes  and  see 

What  throngs  his  throne  surround  ! 
These,  though  sinners  once  like  thee, 

Have  full  salvation  found  : 
Yield  not  then  to  unbelief ! 

While  he  says.  "  There  yet  is  room ;" 
Though  of  sinners  thou  art  chief, 

Since  Jesus  calls  thee,  come. 


SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.    Hymns  75,  91. 

Book  II.  Hymns  1,  2,  3,  4,  6,  35.  77.  78.  S3, 

*  Ezekiel   xxxiii.  11. 
2  A2 


'33  To  Sinners,  Book  111, 

II.  SEEKING,  PLEADING,  AND  HOPING. 

VI.    The  Burdened  Sinner. 

1  Ah  !  what  can  I  do, 

Or  where  be  secure  ! 
If  justice  pursue 

What  heart  can  endure  ! 
The  heart  breaks  asunder, 

Though  hard  as  a  stone, 
When  God  speaks  in  thunder, 

And  makes  himself  known. 

2  With  terror  I  read 

My  sins*  heavy  score, 
The  number  exceeds 

The  sands  on  the  shore  ; 
Guilt  makes  me  unable 

To  stand  or  to  flee ; 
So  Cain  murder 'd  Abel, 

And  trembled  like  me. 

3  Each  sin,  like  his  blood, 

With  a  terrible  cry, 
Calls  loudly  on  God 

To  strike  from  on  high  : 
Nor  can  my  repentance, 

Extorted  by  fear, 
Reverse  the  just  sentence; 

Tis  just,  though  severe. 

4  The  case  is  too  plain, 

I  have  my  own  choice ; 
Again,  and  again, 
I  slighted  his  voice ; 


Hymn  7.  Seeking  >  Src.  283 

His  warnings  neglected , 

His  patience  abus'd, 
His  Gospel  rejected, 

His  mercy  refus'd. 

5  And  must  I  then  go, 

For  ever  to  dwell 
In  torments  and  wo 

With  devils  in  hell ! 
Oh!  where  is  the  Saviour 

I  scorn'd  in  times  past  ? 
His  word  in  my  favour 

Would  save  me  at  East. 

6  Lord  Jesus,  on  thee 

I  venture  to  call, 
Oh  look  upon  me, 

The  vilest  of  all! 
For  whom  didst  thou  languish, 

And  bleed  on  the  tree  ? 
Oh  pity  my  anguish, 

And  say,  "  'Twas  for  thee." 

7  A  case  such  as  mine 

Will  honour  thy  pow'r  ; 
All  hell  will  repine, 

All  heav'n  will  adore  : 
If  in  condemnation 

Strict  justice  takes  place, 
It  shines  in  salvation 

More  glorious  through  grace, 


284  Seeking,  &ei  Book  III. 

VII.       Behold,  I  am  vile! 

1  O  Lord,  how  vile  am  I, 

Unholy  and  unclean  ! 
How  can  I  dare  to  venture  nigh 
With  such  a  load  of  sin  ? 

2  Is  this  polluted  heart 

A  dwelling  lit  for  thee  ? 
Swarming,  alas !  in  ev'ry  part, 
What  evils  do  I  see  ! 

3  If  I  attempt  to  pray, 

And  lisp  thy  holy  name, 
My  thoughts  are  hurry 'd  soon  away, 
I  know  not  where  I  am. 

4  If  in  thy  word  I  look, 

Such  darkness  fills  my  mind, 
I  only  read  a  sealed  book, 
But  no  relief  can  find. 

5  Thy  Gospel  oft  I  hear, 

But  hear  it  still  in  vain  ; 
Without  desire,  or  love,  or  fear, 
I  like  a  stone  remain. 

6  Myself  can  hardly  bear 

This  wretched  heart  of  mine .; 
How  hateful  then  must  it  appear 
To  those  pure  eyes  of  thine  ? 

7  And  must  I  then  indeed 

Sink  in  despair  and  die  ? 
Fain  would  I  hope  that  thou  didst  bleed 
For  such  a  wretch  as  I. 


Hymn  5.  Seeking,  &c.  285 

8  That  blood  which  thou  has  spilt, 

That  grace  which  is  thine  own, 
Can  cleanse  the  vilest  sinner's  guilt, 
And  soften  hearts  of  stone. 

9  Low  at  thy  feet  I  bow, 

Oh  pity  and  forgive  ; 
Here  will  I  lie,  and  wait  till  .thou 
Shalt  bid  me  rise  and  live. 

VIII.     C.      The  shining  Light, 

1  My  former  hopes  are  fled, 

My  terror  now  begins  ; 
I  feel,  alas  !  that  I  am  dead 
In  trespasses  and  sins. 

2  Ah,  whither  shall  I  fly ! 

I  hear  the  thunder  roar ; 
The  law  proclaims  destruction  nigh, 
i\nd  vengeance  at  the  door. 

3  When  I  review  my  ways, 

I  dread  impending  doom  ; 
But  sure  a  friendly  whisper  says, 
"  Flee  from  the  wrath  to  come." 

4  I  see,  or  think  I  see, 

A  glimm  ring  from  afar  ; 
A  beam  of  day  that  shines  for  me, 
To  save  me  from  despair. 

5  Fore-runner  of  the  sun*, 

It  marks  the  pilgrim's  way ; 
I'll  gaze  upon  it  while  I  run, 
And  watch  the  rising  day. 

*  Psal.  cxxx.  6. 


286  Seeking,  Sec  Book  Til. 


IX.     Encouragement. 

My  soul  is  beset 

With  grief  and  dismay 
I  owe  a  vast  debt, 

And  nothing  can  pay : 
I  must  go  to  prison, 

Unless  that  dear  Lord, 
Who  dy'd  and  is  risen, 

His  pity  afford. 

The  death  that  he  dy'd, 
The  blood  that  he  spilt, 

To  sinners  apply 'd, 

Discharge  from  all  guilt ; 

This  great  intercessor 
Can  give,  if  he  please, 


The  vilest  transgressor 
Immediate  release. 

3  When  nail'd  to  the  tree, 

He  answer 'd  the  pray'r 
Of  one,  who,  like  me, 

Was  nigh  to  despair*  ; 
He  did  not  upbraid  him 

With  all  he  had  done, 
But  instantly  made  him 

A  saint  and  a  son. 

4  The  jailer,  I  read, 

A  pardon  receiv'df : 
And  how  was  he  freed  ? 
He  only  belie v'd  : 

*  Luke  xxiii.  43.  t  Acts  xvi.  51 


Hymn  9.  Seeking,  Sec.  287 

His  case  mine  resembled, 

Like  me  he  was  foul, 
Like  me  too  he  trembled, 

But  faith  made  him  whole. 

5  Though  Saul  in  his  youth, 

To  madness  enrag'd ; 
Against  the  Lord's  truth 

And  people  engag'd ; 
Yet  Jesus,  the  Saviour, 

Whom  long  he  revil'd*, 
Receiv'd  him  to  favour, 

And  made  him  a  child. 

6  A  foe  to  all  good, 

In  wickedness  skill'd, 
Manasseh  with  blood 

Jerusalem  fill'd ; 
In  evil  long  harden'd, 

The  Lord  he  defy'd ; 
Yet  he  too  was  pardon'd* 

When  mercy  he  cry'df . 

7  Of  sinners  the  chief, 

And  viler  than  all, 
The  jailer  or  thief, 

Manasseh  or  Saul : 
Since  they  were  forgiv'n 

Why  should  I  despair, 
While  Christ  is  in  heav'n, 

And  still  answers  pray 'r  f 

*  4  Tim.  i.  16.  t  2  Chron.  xxxiii.  12,  13. 


288  Seeking,  &c.  Book  III. 

X.      The  Waiting  Soul. 

1  Breathe  from  the  gentle  south,  O  Lord, 

And  cheer  me  from  the  north  ; 
Blow  on  the  treasures  of  thy  word, 
And  call  the  spices  forth ! 

2  I  wish,  thou  know'st,  to  be  resign'd, 

And  wait  with  patient  hope  ; 
But  hope  delay 'd,  fatigues  the  mind, 
And  drinks  the  spirits  up. 

3  Help  me  to  reach  the  distant  goal, 

Confirm  my  feeble  knee, 
Pity  the  sickness  of  a  soul 
That  faints  for  love  of  thee. 

4  Cold  as  I  feel  this  heart  of  mine, 

Yet  since  I  feel  it  so, 
It  yields  some  hope  of  life  divine 
Within,  however  low. 

5  I  seem  forsaken  and  alone, 

I  hear  the  lion  roar ; 
And  every  door  is  shut,  but  one, 
And  that  is  mercy's  door. 

6  There,  till  the  dear  Deliv'rer  come 

I'll  wait  with  humble  pray'r  ; 
And  when  he  calls  his  exile  home, 
The  Lord  shall  find  him  there. 

XI.      The  Effort. 

1  Cheer  up,  my  soul,  there  is  a  mercy-seat 
Sprinkled  with  blood,  where  Jesus  answers 

pray'r ; 
There  humbly  cast  thyself  beneath  his  feet, 
For  never  needy  sinner  perish'd  there. 


Hymn  12.  Seeking,  &c.  239 

2  Lord,  I  am  come  !  thy  promise  is  my  plea, 
Without  thy  word  I  durst  not  venture  nigh; 
But  thou  hast  call'd  the  burden'd  soul  to  thee ; 
A  weary  burden'd  soul,  O  Lord,  am  I ! 

3  Bow'd  down  beneath  a  heavy  load  of  sin, 
By  Satan's  fierce  temptations  sorely  prest, 
Beset  without,  and  full  of  fears  within, 
Trembling  and  faint  I  come  to  thee  for  rest. 

4  Be  thou  my  refuge,  Lord,  my  hiding-place, 
I  know  no  force  can  tear  me  from  thy  side ; 
Unmov'd  I  then  my  all  accusers  face, 

And  answer  ev'ry  charge  with  "  Jesus  dy'd." 

5  Yes,  thou  didst  weep,  and  bleed,  and  groan, 
and  die, 

Well  hast  thou  known  what  fierce  temptations 

mean, 
Such  was  thy  love,  and  now  enthron'd  on  high, 
The  same  compassions  in  thy  bosom  reign. 

6  Lord  give  me  faith — he  hears — what  grace 
is  this ! 

Dry  up  thy  tears,  my  soul,  and  cease  to  grieve ; 
He  shows  me  what  he  did,  and  who  he  is, 
I  must,  I  will,  I  can,  I  do  believe. 

XII.      The  Effort — in  another  Measure. 

1  Approach,  my  soul,  the  mercy- seat 

Where  Jesus  answers  pray  Y ; 
There  humbly  fall  before  his  feet, 
For  none  can  perish  there. 

2  Thy  promise  is  my  only  plea, 

With  this  I  venture  nigh  ; 
Thou  callest  burden'd  souls  to  thee, 
And  such,  O  Lord,  am  I. 

2  B 


290  Seeking,  Sec.  Book.  Ill, 

3  Bow'd  down  beneath  a  load  of  sin, 

By  Satan  sorely  prest ; 
j      By  war  without,  and  fears  within, 
I  come  to  thee  for  rest. 

4  Be  thou  my  shield  and  hiding-place  ! 

That,  shelter'd  near  thy  side, 
I  may  my  fierce  accuser  face  ; 

And  tell  him,  "  Thou  hast  dy'd." 

5  Oh  wondrous  love !  to  bleed  and  die, 

To  bear  the  cross  and  shame, 
That  guilty  sinners,  such  as  I, 
Might  plead  thy  gracious  name. 

6  "  Poor  tempest-tossed  soul,  be  still, 

"  My  promis'd  grace  receive  ;" 
'Tis  Jesus  speaks — I  must,  I  will, 
I  can,  I  do  believe. 

XIII.      Seeking  the  Beloved. 

h  To  those  who  know  the  Lord,  I  speak, 
Is  my  beloved  near  ? 
The  bridegroom  of  my  soul  I  seek, 
Oh !  when  will  he  appear  ? 

2  Though  once  a  man  of  grief  and  shame, 

Yet  now  he  fills  a  throne, 
And  bears  the  greatest,  sweetest  name, 
That  earth  or  heav'n  have  known. 

3  Grace  flies  before,  and  love  attends 

His  steps  where'er  he  goes ; 
Though  none  can  see  him  but  his  friends, 
And  they  were  once  his  foes. 


Hymn  14.  Seeking,  8cc  291 

4  He  speaks — obedient  to  his  call 

Our  warm  affections,  move  ; 
Did  he  but  shine  alike  on  all, 
Then  all  alike  would  love. 

5  Then  love  in  ev'ry  heart  would  reign, 

And  war  would  cease  to  roar ; 
And  cruel  and  blood-thirsty  men 
Would  thirst  for  blood  no  more. 

6  Such  Jesus  is,  and  such  his  grace, 

Oh  may  he  shine  on  you  ! 
And  tell  him,  when  you  see  his  face, 
I  long  to  see  him  too*. 


XIV.     Rest  for  weary  Souls. 

Does  the  Gospel- word  proclaim 

Rest  for  those  who  weary  bef  ? 
Then,  my  soul,  put  in  thy  claim, 

Sure  that  promise  speaks  to  thee  : 
Marks  of  grace  I  cannot  show, 

All  polluted  is  my  best ; 
Yet  I  weary  am,  I  know, 

And  the  weary  long  for  rest. 

Burden'd  with  a  load  of  sin, 

Harass'd  with  tormenting  doubt, 
Hourly  conflicts  from  within, 

Hourly  crosses  from  without : 
All  my  little  strength  is  gone, 

Sink  I  must  without  supply  ; 
Sure  upon  the  earth  is  none 

Can  more  weary  be  than  I. 

*  Cant.  v.  8.  t  Matth.  xi.  28, 


292  Conflict.  Book  III 

3  In  the  ark  the  weary  dove 

Found  a  welcome  resting-place*  ; 
Thus  my  spirit  longs  to  prove 

Rest  in  Christ,  the  ark  of  grace  : 
Tempest-toss'd  I  long  have  been, 

And  the  flood  increases  fast ; 
Open,  Lord,  and  take  me  in, 

Till  the  storm  be  overpast. 

4  Safely  lodg'd  within  thy  breast, 

What  a  wondrous  change  I  find  ! 
Now  I  know  thy  promis'd  rest 

Can  compose  a  troubled  mind  : 
You  that  weary  are  like  me, 

Hearken  to  the  Gospel- call ; 
To  the  ark  for  refuge  flee, 

Jesus  will  receive  you  all ! 

SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.       Hymns  45.  69.  82,  83,  84.  96. 
Book  II.     Hymn  29. 


III.  CONFLICT. 

XV.     C.     Light  shining  out  of  Darkness. 

1  God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way, 
His  wonders  to  perform ; 
He  plants  his  footsteps  in  the  sea, 
And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

*  Gen.  viii.  9. 


Hymn  16.  Conflict.  293 

2  Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 

Of  never-failing  skill, 
He  treasures  up  his  bright  designs, 
And  works  his  sov 'reign  will. 

3  Ye  fearful  saints,  fresh  courage  take, 

The  clouds  ye  so  much  dread 
Are  big  with  mercy,  and  shall  break 
In  blessings  on  your  head. 

4  Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense. 

But  trust  him  for  his  grace ; 
Behind  a  frowning  providence 
He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

5  His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  ev'ry  hour ; 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 
But  sweet  will  be  the  fiow'r. 

6  Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err*, 

And  scan  his  work  in  vain  ; 
God  is  his  own  interpreter, 
And  he  will  make  it  plain. 

XVI.     C.       Welcome  Cross, 

1  'Tis  my  happiness  below 

Not  to  live  without  the  cross, 
But  the  Saviour's  pow'r  to  know, 

Sanctifying  ev'ry  loss  : 
Trials  must  and  will  befall ; 

But  with  humble  faith  to  see 
Love  inscrib'd  upon  them  all, 
This  is  happiness  to  me. 
*  John  xiii.  7, 

2B2 


294  Conflict.  Book  III. 

2  God,  in  Israel,  sows  the  seeds 

Of  affliction,  pain,  and  toil ; 
These  spring  up,  and  choke  the  weeds 

Which  would  else  o'erspread  the  soil : 
Trials  make  the  promise  sweet, 

Trials  give  new  life  to  pray'r  ; 
Trials  bring  me  to  his  feet, 

Lay  me  low,  and  keep  me  there. 

3  Did  I  meet  no  trials  here, 

No  chastisement  by  the  way  ; 
Might  I  not,  with  reason,  fear 

I  should  prove  a  cast- away  : 
Bastards  may  escape  the  rod*, 

Sunk  in  earthly,  vain  delight ; 
But  the  true-born  child  of  God 

Must  not,  would  not,  if  he  might. 

XVII.     C.     Afflictions  sanctified  fry  the  Word. 

1  O  how  I  love  thy  holy  word, 
Thy  gracious  covenant,  O  Lord  ! 
It  guides  me  in  the  peaceful  way, 
I  think  upon  it  all  the  day. 

2  What  are  the  mines  of  shining  wealth, 
The  strength  of  youth,  the  bloom  of  health  ! 
What  are  all  joys  compar'd  with  those 
Thine  everlasting  word  bestows  !  • 

3  Long  unafflicted,  undismay'd, 

In  pleasure's  path  secure  I  stray 'd  ; 
Thou  mad'st  me  feel  thy  chast'ning  rod, 
And  strait  I  turn'd  unto  my  Godf. 

*  Heb.  xii.  8.  t  Psalm  cxix.  71. 


Hymn  18.  Conflict.  295 

4  What  though  it  pierc'd  my  fainting  heart. 
I  bless  thine  hand  that  caus'd  the  smart ; 
It  taught  my  tears  a  while  to  flow, 

But  sav'd  me  from  eternal  wo. 

5  Oh  !  hadst  thou  left  me  unchastis'd, 
Thy  precept  I  had  still  despis'd  ; 
And  still  the  snare  in  secret  laid, 
Had  my  unwary  feet  betray 'd. 

6  I  love  thee,  therefore,  O  my  God, 
And  breathe  towards  thy  dear  abode  ; 
Where  in  thy  presence  fully  blest, 
Thy  chosen  saints  for  ever  rest. 


XVIII.     C.      Temptation. 

1  The  billows  swell,  the  winds  are  high, 
Clouds  overcast  my  wintry  sky  ; 

Out  of  the  depths  to  thee  I  call, 

My  fears  are  great,  my  strength  is  small. 

2  O  Lord,  the  pilot's  part  perform, 

And  guide  and  guard  me  through  the  storm ; 
Defend  me  from  each  threat'ning  ill, 
Control  the  waves,  say,  "  Peace,  be  still.'* 

3  Amidst  the  roaring  of  the  sea, 

My  soul  still  hangs  her  hopes  on  thee  ; 
Thy  constant  love,  thy  faithful  care, 
Is  all  that  saves  me  from  despair. 

4  Dangers  of  ev'ry  shape  and  name 
Attend  the  followers  of  the  Lamb, 
Who  leave  the  world's  deceitful  shore, 
And  leave  it  to  return  no  more. 


2% 


Conflict, 


Book  HI. 


5  Though  tempest- toss'd,  and  half  a  wreck, 
My  Saviour  through  the  floods  I  seek  ; 
Let  neither  winds  nor  stormy  main 
Force  back  my  shattered  bark  again, 

XIX.     C.     Looking'  u/mvards  in  a  Stor?n. 

1  God  of  my  life,  to  thee  I  call, 
Afflicted  at  thy  feet  I  fall ; 

When  the  great  water- floods  prevail, 
Leave  not  my  trembling  heart  to  fail*  1 

2  Friend  of  the  friendless,  and  the  faint ! 
Where  should  I  lodge  my  deep  complaint  ? 
Where,  but  with  thee,  whose  open  door 
Invites  the  helpless  and  the  poor  ? 

3  Did  ever  mourner  plead  with  thee, 
And  thou  refuse  that  mourner's  plea  f 
Does  not  the  world  still  fix'd  remain, 
That  none  shall  seek  thy  face  in  vain  ? 

4  That  were  a  grief  I  could  not  bear, 
Didst  thou  not  hear  and  answer  pray'r  ; 
But  a  pray  V- hearing,  answ'ring  God, 
Supports  me  under  ev'ry  load. 

5  Fair  is  the  lot  that's  cast  for  me  ; 
I  have  an  advocate  with  thee  ; 
They  whom  the  world  caresses  most, 
Have  no  such  privilege  to  boast.    • 

6  Poor  though  I  am,  despis'd,  forgotf, 
Yet  God,  my  God,  forgets  me  not ; 
And  he  is  safe,  and  must  succeed, 
For  whom  the  Lord  vouchsafes  to  plead. 


*  Psalm  lxix.  15. 


t  Psalm  xl.  IT. 


Hymn  21.  Conflict.  297 


XX.  C.    The  Valley  of  the  Shadow  of  Death. 

1  My  soul  is  sad  and  much  dismay 'd  ; 

See,  Lord,  what  legions  of  my  foes, 
With  fierce  Apollyon  at  their  head, 
My  heav'nly  pilgrimage  oppose  ! 

2  See,  from  the  ever-burning  lake, 

How  like  a  smoky  cloud  they  rise  ! 
With  horrid  blasts  my  soul  they  shake, 
With  storms  of  blasphemies  and  lies. 

3  Their  fiery  arrows  reach  the  mark  *, 

My  throbbing  heart  with  anguish  tear ; 
Each  lights  upon  a  kindred  spark, 
And  finds  abundant  fuel  there. 

4  I  hate  the  thought  that  wrongs  the  Lord  ; 

Oh  !  I  would  drive  it  from  my  breast, 
With  thy  own  sharp  two-edged  sword, 
Far  as  the  east  is  from  the  west. 

5  Come  then,  and  chase  the  cruel  host, 

Heal  the  deep  wounds  I  have  receiv'd 
Nor  let  the  pow'rs  of  darkness  boast, 
That  I  am  foil'd,  and  thou  art  griev'd ! 

XXI.    The  Storm  Hushed. 

1  'Tis  past — the  dreadful  stormy  night 
Is  gone,  with  all  its  fears  ! 
And  now  I  see  returning  light, 
The  Lord,  my  Sun,  appears. 

*  Eph.  vi.  16. 


20S  Conflict,  Book  III. 

2  The  tempter,  who  but  lately  said, 

I  soon  shall  be  his  pre 
Has  heard  my  Saviour's  voice,  and  fled 
With  shame  and  grief  away. 

3  Ah !  Lord,  since  thou  didst  hide  thy  face, 

What  has  my  soul  endur'd  ? 
But  now  'tis  past,  I  feel  thy  grace, 
And  all  my  wounds  are  cur'd ! 

4  Oh  wondrous  change !  but  just  before 

Despair  beset  me  round, 
I  heard  the  lion's  horrid  roar, 
And  trembled  at  the  sound. 

5  Before  corruption,  guilt,  and  fear, 

My  comforts  blasted  fell ; 
And  unbelief  discover'd  near 
The  dreadful  depths  of  hell. 

6  But  Jesus  pity'd  my  distress, 

He  heard  my  feeble  cry, 
Reveal'd  his  blood  and  righteousness, 
And  brought  salvation  nigh. 

7  Beneath  the  banner  of  his  love 

I  now  secure  remain  ; 
The  tempter  frets,  but  dares  not  move, 
To  break  my  peace  again. 

8  Lord,  since  thou  thus  hast  broke  my  bands, 

And  set  the  captive  free, 
I  would  devote  my  tongue,  my  hands. 
My  heart,  my  all,  to  thee. 


Hymn  22.  Conflict.  299 

XXII.     Help  in  the  Time  of  Need. 

1  Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my  stay, 
(With  trembling  joy  my  soul  may  say,) 

My  cruel  foe  had  gain'd  his  end : 
But  he  appear'd  for  my  relief, 
And  Satan  sees,  with  shame  and  grief, 

That  I  have  an  Almighty  Friend, 

2  Oh  !  'twas  a  dark  and  trying  hour, 
When  harass'd  by  the  tempter's  pow'r 

I  felt  my  strongest  hopes  decline ! 
You  only  who  have  known  his  arts, 
You  only  who  have  felt  his  darts, 

Can  pity  such  a  case  as  mine. 

3  Loud  in  my  ears  a  charge  be  read, 
(My  conscience  witness'd  all  he  said,) 

My  long  black  list  of  outward  sin  ; 
Then  bringing  forth  my  heart  to  view, 
Too  well  what's  hidden  there  he  knew, 

He  show'd  me  ten  times  worse  within. 

4  'Tis  all  too  true,  my  soul  reply 'd, 
But  I  remember  Jesus  dy'd, 

And  now  he  fills  a  throne  of  grace  ; 
I'll  go,  as  I  have  done  before, 
His  mercy  I  may  still  implore, 

I  have  his  promise,  "  Seek  my  face." 

5  But  as  when  sudden  fogs  arise, 

The  trees  and  hills,  the  sun  and  skies, 

Are  all  at  once  conceal'd  from  view ; 
So  clouds  of  horror,  black  as  night, 
By  Satan  rais'd,  hid  from  my  sight 
The  throne  of  grace  and  promise  too. 


300  Conflict.  Book  III. 

6  Then  while  beset  with  guilt  and  fear, 
He  try'd  to  urge  me  to  despair, 

He  try'd,  and  he  almost  prevail 'd  ; 
But  Jesus,  by  a  heav'nly  ray, 
Drove  clouds,  and  guilt,  and  fear  away, 
And  all  the  tempter's  malice  fail'd. 

XXIII.     C.     Peace  after  a  Storjn. 

1  When  darkness  long  has  veil'd  my  mind, 

And  smiling  day  once  more  appears, 
Then,  my  Redeemer,  then  I  find 
The  folly  of  my  doubts  and  fears. 

2  Strait  I  upbraid  my  wand'ring  heart, 

And  blush  that  I  should  ever  be 
Thus  prone  to  act  so  base  a  part 

Or  harbour  one  hard  thought  of  thee ! 

3  Oh !  let  me  then  at  length  be  taught 

What  I  am  still  so  slow  to  learn  ; 

That  God  is  love,  and  changes  not, 

Nor  knows  the  shadow  of  a  turn. 

4  Sweet  truth,  and  easy  to  repeat ! 

But  wdien  my  faith  is  sharply  try'd, 
I  find  myself  a  learner  yet, 

Unskilful,  weak,  and  apt  to  slide. 

5  But,  O  my  Lord !  one  look  from  thee 

Subdues  the  disobedient  will ; 
Drives  doubt  and  discontent  away, 
And  thy  rebellious  wrorm  is  still. 

6  Thou  art  as  ready  to  forgive, 

As  I  am  ready  to  repine ; 
Thou,  therefore,  all  the  praise  receive ; 
Be  shame  and  self-abhorrence  mine. 


Hymn  24  Collet..  301 


XXIV.     C.     Mourning  and  Longing. 

1  The  Saviour  hides  his  face  ! 

My  spirit  thirsts  to  prove 
Renew'd  supplies  of  pard'ning  grace, 
And  never-fading  love. 

2  The  favour' d  souls  who  know 

What  glories  shine  in  him, 

Pant  for  his  presence,  as  the  roe 

Pants  for  the  living  stream ! 

3  What  trifles  tease  me  now  ! 

They  swarm  like  summer  flies., 
They  cleave  to  ev'ry  thing  I  do, 
And  swim  before  my  eyes. 

4  How  dull  the  Sabbath-day, 

Without  the  Sabbath's  Lord ! 
How  toilsome  then  to  sing  arid  pray, 
And  wait  upon  the  word  ! 

5  Of  all  the  truths  I  hear, 

How  few  delight  my  taste  ! 

I  glean  a  berry  here  and  there, 

But  mourn  the  vintage  past. 

6  Yet  let  me,  (as  I  ought,) 

Still  hope  to  be  supply 'd  ; 
No  pleasure  else  is  worth  a  thought, 
Nor  shall  I  be  deny'd. 

7  Though  I  am  but  a  worm, 

Unworthy  of  his  care, 
The  Lord  will  my  desire  perform, 
And  grant  me  all  my  prayV. 

2  C 


302  Conflict.  Book  III 


XXV.       Rejoice  the  Soul  of  thy  Servant. 

1  When  my  pray'rs  are  a  burden  and  task. 

No  wonder  I  little  receive  ; 
O  Lord,  make  me  willing  to  ask, 

Since  thou  art  so  ready  to  give  : 
Although  I  am  bought  with  thy  blood, 

And  all  thy  salvation  is  mine  : 
At  a  distance  from  thee,  my  chief  good, 

I  wander,  and  languish,  and  pine. 

2  Of  thy  goodness  of  old,  when  I  read, 

To  those  who  were  sinners  like  me, 
Why  may  I  not  wrestle  and  plead, 

With  them  a  partaker  to  be  ? 
Thine  arm  is  not  short 'ned  since  then, 

And  those  who  believe  in  thy  name, 
Ever  find  thou  art  Yea  and  Amen, 

Through  all  generations  the  same. 

3  While  my  spirit  within  me  is  prest, 

With  sorrow,  temptation,  and  fear, 
Like  Joh  n,  I  would  flee  to  thy  breast*, 

And  pour  my  complaints  in  thine  ear : 
How  happy  and  favour'd  was  he, 

Who  could  on  thy  bosom  repose ! 
Might  this  favour  be  granted  to  me, 

I'd  smile  at  the  rage  of  my  foes. 

4  I  have  heard  of  thy  wonderful  name, 

How  great  and  exalted  thou  art ; 
But,  ah !  I  confess  to  my  shame, 
It  faintly  impresses  my  heart : 

*  John  xiii.  25. 


Hymn  26.  Conflict.  303 

The  beams  of  thy  glory  display, 
As  Peter  once  saw  thee  appear; 

That,  transported  like  him,  I  may  say, 
"  It  is  good  for  my  soul  to  be  here*." 

5  What  a  sorrow  and  weight  didst  thou  feel, 

When  nail'd,  for  my  sake,  to  the  tree  I 
My  heart  sure  is  harder  than  steel, 

To  feel  no  more  sorrow  for  thee  : 
Oh  !  let  me  with  Thomas  descry 

The  wounds  in  thy  hands  and  thy  side, 
And  have  feelings  like  his,  when  I  cry, 

"  My  God  and  my  Saviour  has  dy'df  •" 

6  But  if  thotf  hast  appointed  me  still 

To  wrestle,  and  suffer,  and  fight ; 
O  make  me  resign  to  thy  will, 

For  all  thine  appointments  are  right : 
This  mercy,  at  least,  I  entreat, 

That, 'knowing  how  vile  I  have  been, 
I,  with  Mary,  may  wait  at  thy  feet  J, 

And  weep  o'er  the  pardon  of  sin. 

XXVL  C.    Self -acquaintance . 

1  Dear  Lord!  accept  a  sinful  heart, 

Which  of  itself  complains, 
And  mourns,  with  much  and  frequent  smart, 
The  evil  it  contains. 

2  There  fiery  seeds  of  anger  lurk, 

Which  often  hurt  my  frame  : 
And  wait  but  for  the  tempter's  work, 
To  fan  them  to  a  flame. 

*  Matth.  xvii.  4.     f  John  xx.  28.     |  Luke  vii.  38. 


304 


Conflict. 


Book  III. 


3  Legality  holds  out  a  bribe 

To  purchase  life  from  thee  ; 
And  discontent  would  fain  prescribe 
How  thou  shalt  deal  with  me. 

4  While  unbelief  withstands  thy  grace, 

And  puts  thy  mercy  by  ; 
Presumption,  with  a  brow  of  brass, 
Says,  "  Give  me,  or  I  die/' 

5  How  eager  are  my  thoughts  to  roam 

In  quest  of  what  they  love ! 
But  ah !  when  duty  calls  them  home, 
How  heavily  they  move  ! 

6  Oh,  cleanse  me  in  a  Saviours  bloody 

Transform  me  by  thy  pow'r, 
And  make  me  thy  belov'd  abode, 
And  let  me  rove  no  more. 


XXVII.  Bitter  and   Sweet, 


1  Kindle,  Saviour,  in  my  heart, 

A  flame  of  love  divine ; 
Hear,  for  mine  I  trust  thou  art, 

And  sure  I  would  be  thine  : 
If  my  soul  has  felt  thy  grace, 

If  to  me  thy  name  is  known ; 
Why  should  trifles  fill  the  place 

D  ue  to  thyself  alone  ? 

2  Tis  a  strange  mysterious  life 

I  live  from  day  to  day ; 
Light  and  darkness,  peace  and  strife, 
Bear  an  alternate  svvav  : 


Hymn  28.  Conflict.  305 

When  I  think  the  battle  won, 

I  have  to  fight  it  o'er  again ; 
When  I  say  I'm  overthrown, 

Relief  I  soon  obtain. 

3  Often  at  the  mercy- seat, 

While  calling  on  thy  name, 
Swarms  of  evil  thoughts  I  meet, 

Which  fill  my  soul  with  shame. 
Agitated  in  my  mind, 

Like  a  feather  in  the  air, 
Can  I  thus  a  blessing  find  ? 

My  soul,  can  this  be  pray'r  ? 

4  But  when  Christ,  my  Lord  and  Friend? 

Is  pleas'd  to  show  his  pow'r ; 
All  at  once  my  troubles  end, 

And  I've  a  golden  hour ; 
Then  I  see  his  smiling  face, 

Feel  the  pledge  of  joys  to  come  ; 
Often,  Lord,  repeat  this  grace 

Till  thou  shalt  call  me  home. 


XXVIII.     C.     Prayer  for  Patience, 

Lord,  who  hast  sufFer'd  all  for  me, 
My  peace  and  pardon  to  procure, 

The  lighter  cross  I  bear  for  thee, 
Help  me  with  patience  to  endure. 

The  storm  of  loud  repining,  hush, 
I  would  in  humble  silence  mourn  ; 

Why  should  th'  unburnt,  though  burning 
bush, 
Be  angry  as  the  crackling  thorn  ? 

2  C  2 


306  Conflict.  Book  III. 

3  Man  should  not  faint  at  thy  rebuke, 

Like  Joshua  falling  on  his  face*, 
When  the  curs'd  thing  that  Achan  took, 
Brought  Israel  into  just  disgrace. 

4  Perhaps  some  golden  wedge  suppress'd, 

Some  secret  sin  offends  my  God ; 
Perhaps  that  Babylonish  vest, 

Self-righteousness,  provokes  the  rod. 

5  Ah  !  were  I  bufFetted  all  day, 

Mock  'd,crown'd  with  thorns,and  spit  upon; 
I  yet  should  have  no  right  to  say, 
My  great  distress  is  mine  alone. 

6  Let  me  not  angrily  declare 

No  pain  was  ever  sharp  like  mine  ; 
Nor  murmur  at  the  cross  I  bear, 
But  rather  weep,  rememb  ring  thine. 

XXIX.     C.      Sub?7iission. 

1  OLord,  my  best  desire  fulfil, 

And  help  me  to  resign 
Life,  health,  and  comfort  to  thy  will, 
And  make  thy  pleasure  mine. 

2  Why  should  I  shrink  at  thy  command, 

Whose  love  forbids  my  fears  ? 
Or  tremble  at  the  gracious  hand 
That  wipes  away  my  tears  ? 

3  No,  let  me  rather  freely  yield 

What  most  I  prize  to  thee  ; 
Who  never  hast  a  good  withheld, 
Or  wilt  withhold  from  me. 

Joshua  vii.  10,  II. 


Hymn  30.  Cuufliet.  307 

4  Thy  favour,  all  my  journey  through, 

Thou  art  engag'd  to  grant ; 
What  else  I  want,  or  think  I  do, 
'Tis  better  still  to  want. 

5  Wisdom  and  mercy  guide  my  way, 

Shall  I  resist  them  both  ? 
A  poor  blind  creature  of  a  day, 
And  crush'd  before  the  moth ! 

6  But  ah  !  my  inward  spirit  cries, 

Still  bind  me  to  thy  sway  ; 
Else  the  next  cloud  that  veils  my  skies, 
Drives  all  these  thoughts  away, 

XXX.      Why  should  I  complain  ? 

1  When  my  Saviour,  rny  Shepherd,  is  near, 

How  quickly  my  sorrows  depart ! 
New  beauties  around  me  appear, 

New  spirits  enliven  my  heart : 
His  presence  gives  peace  to  my  soul, 

And  Satan  assaults  me  in  vain ; 
While  my  Shepherd  his  powrer  controls, 

I  think  I  no  more  shall  complain. 

2  But  alas !  what  a  change  do  I  find,     [sight ! 

When  my  Shepherd  withdraws  from  my 
My  fears  all  return  to  my  mind, 

My  day  is  soon  chang'd  into  night : 
Then  Satan  his  effort  renews 

To  vex  and  ensnare  me  again  : 
All  my  pleasing  enjoyments  I  lose, 

And  can  only  lament  and  complain. 

3  By  these  changes  I  often  pass  through, 

I  am  taught  my  own  weakness  to  know  ; 
I  am  taught  what  my  Shepherd  can  do, 
And  how  much  to  his  mercy  I  owe  : 


308  Conflict.  Book  III. 

It  is  he  that  supports  me  through  all ; 

When  I  faint  he  revives  me  again  ; 
He  attends  to  my  pray  V  when  I  call, 

And  bids  me  no  longer  complain. 

4  Wherefore  then  should  I  murmur  and  grieve  ? 

Since  my  Shepherd  is  always  the  same, 
And  has  promis'd  he  never  will  leave* 

The  soul  that  confides  in  his  name  : 
To  relieve  me  from  all  that  I  fear, 

He  was  buffetted,  tempted,  and  slain  ; 
And  at  length  he  will  surely  appear, 

Tho1  he  leaves  me  a  while  to  complain. 

5  While  I  dwell  in  an  enemy's  land, 

Can  I  hope  to  be  always  in  peace  ? 
'Tis  enough  that  my  Shepherd's  at  hand, 

And  that  shortly  this  warfare  will  cease  ; 
For  ere  long  he  will  bid  me  removef 

From  this  region  of  sorrow  and  pain, 
To  abide  in  his  presence  above, 

And  then  I  no  more  shall  complain. 

XXXI.     Return,  0  Lord,  how  lo?ig. 

1  Return  to  bless  my  waiting  eyes, 

And  cheer  my  mourning  heart,  O  Lord  ! 
Without  thee  all  beneath  the  skies 
No  real  pleasure  can  afford. 

2  When  thy  lov'd  presence  meets  my  sight, 

It  softens  care  and  sweetens  toil ; 
The  Sun  shines  forth  with  double  light, 
The  whole  creation  wears  a  smile. 

*  Jer.  i.  19.  t  Rev.  ii.  10. 


Hymn  32.  Conflict.  309 

3  Upon  thine  arm  of  love  I  rest, 

Thy  gracious  voice  forbids  my  fear ; 
No  storms  disturb  my  peaceful  breast, 
No  foes  assault  when  thou  art  near. 

4  But,  ah !  since  thou  hast  been  away, 

Nothing  but  trouble  have  I  known ; 
And  Satan  marks  me  for  hi*  prey, 
Because  he  sees  me  left  alone. 

5  My  sun  is  hid,  my  comforts  lost, 

My  graces  droop,  my  sins  revive  ; 
Distressed,  dismay 'd,  and  tempest-toss'd, 
My  soul  is  only  just  alive  ! 

6  Lord,  hear  my  cry,  and  come  again  ! 

Put  all  mine  enemies  to  shame  ; 
And  let  them  see  'tis  not  in  vain 
That  I  have  trusted  in  thy  name, 

XXXII.      Cast  doivrij  but  not  destroyed, 

1  Though  sore  beset  with  guilt  and  fear, 
I  cannot,  dare  not,  quite  despair  ; 

If  I  must  perish,  would  the  Lord 
Have  taught  my  heart  to  love  his  word  ? 
Would  he  have  giv'n  me  eyes  to  see, 
My  danger,  and  my  remedy ; 
Reveal'd  his  name,  and  bid  me  pray, 
Had  he  resolved  to  say  me  nay*  ? 

2  No — though  cast  down,  I  am  not  slain ; 
I  fall,  but  I  shall  rise  again  j  ; 

The  present,  Satan,  is  thy  hour, 
But  Jesus  shall  control  thy  pow'r : 

*  Judges  xiii.  23.  f  Micah  vii.  8. 


310  Coiifiict.  Book  III. 

His  love  will  plead  for  my  relief, 

He  hears  my  groans,  he  sees  my  grief ; 

Nor  will  he  suffer  thee  to  boast, 

A  soul  that  sought  his  help  was  lost. 

3  'Tis  true,  I  have  unfaithful  been, 
And  griev'd  his  spirit  by  my  sin; 
Yet  still  his  mercy  he'll  reveal, 
And  all  my  wounds  and  follies  heal : 
Abounding  sin,  I  must  confess, 
But  more  abounding  is  his  grace  * ; 
He  once  vouchsaf 'd  for  me  to  bleed, 
And  now  he  lives  my  cause  to  plead. 

4  I'll  cast  myself  before  his  feet, 
I  see  him  on  his  mercy- seat, 

('Tis  sprinkled  with  atoning  blood  ;) 
There  sinners  find  access  to  God : 
Ye  burdened  souls,  approach  with  me, 
And  make  the  Saviour's  name  your  plea  j 
Jesus  will  pardon  all  who  come, 
And  strike  our  fierce  accuser  dumb. 

XXXIII.     The  benighted  Traveller. 

1  Forest  beasts,  that  live  by  prey, 
Seldom  show  themselves  by  day  ; 
But  when  day-light  is  withdrawn  f , 
Then  they  rove  and  roar  till  dawn. 

2  Who  can  tell  the  traveler's  fears, 
When  their  horrid  yells  he  hears  ? 
Terror  almost  stops  his  breath, 
While  each  step  he  looks  for  death. 

*  Rom.  v.  20.  t  Psal.  civ.  20. 


Hymn  34,  Conflict.  311 

3  Thus  when  Jesus  is  in  view, 
Cheerful  I  my  way  pursue  ; 
Walking  by  my  Saviour's  light. 
Nothing  can  my  soul  affright. 

4  But  when  he  forbears  to  shine, 
Soon  the  traveler's  case  is  mine ; 
Lost,  benighted,  struck  with  dread , 
What  a  painful  path  I  tread  ! 

5  Then  my  soul  with  terror  hears 
Worse  than  lions,  wolves,  or  bears, 
Roaring  loud  in  ev'ry  part, 
Through  the  forest  of  my  heart. 

6  Wrath,  impatience,  envy,  pride, 
Satan  and  his  host  beside, 
Press  around  me  to  devour ; 
How  can  I  escape  their  pow'r  ? 

7  Gracious  Lord,  afford  me  light, 
Put  these  beasts  of  prey  to  flight ; 
Let  thy  pow'r  and  love  be  shown  *  ; 
Save  me,  for  I  am  thine  own. 

XXXIV.   The  Prisoner. 

1  Wh  e  n  the  poor  pris'ner  through  a  grate 

Sees  others  walk  at  large, 
How  does  he  mourn  his  lonely  state, 
And  long  for  a  discharge ! 

2  Thus  I,  confin'd  in  unbelief, 
My  loss  of  freedom  mourn  ; 

And  spend  my  hours  in  fruitless  grief, 
Until  my  Lord  return. 

*  Psal.  cxix.  94. 


312  Conflict.  Book  III. 

3  The  beam  of  day,  which  pierces  through 

The  gloom  in  which  I  dwell, 
Only  discloses  to  my  view 
The  horrors  of  my  cell. 

4  Ah !  how  my  pensive  spirit  faints, 

To  think  of  former  days  ! 
When  I  could  triumph  with  the  saints. 
And  join  their  songs  of  praise. 

5  But  now  my  joys  are  all  cut  off, 

In  prison  I  am  cast ; 
And  Satan,  with  a  cruel  scoff, 

Says,  "  Where's  your  God  at  last*?'' 

6  Dear  Saviour,  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 

My  strong,  my  only  plea, 
These  gates  and  bars  in  pieces  break, 
And  set  the  pris'ner  freef ! 

7  Surely  my  soul  shall  sing  to  thee, 

For  liberty  restor'd ; 
And  all  thy  saints  admire  to  see 
The  mercies  of  the  Lord. 

XXXV.      Perplexity  relieved. 

1  Uncertain  how  the  way  to  find 

Which  to  salvation  led, 
I  listen'd  long,  with  anxious  mind, 
To  hear  what  others  said. 

2  When  some  of  joys  and  comforts  told, 

I  fear'd  that  I  was  wrong ; 
For  I  was  stupid,  dead,  and  cold, 
Had  neither  joy  nor  song. 
*  Psal.  cxv.  2.  t  Psal.  cxlii.  7. 


Hymn  36.  Conflict.  313 

3  The  Lord  my  lab'ring  heart  relieved, 
And  made  my  burden  light ; 

Then  for  a  moment  I  believ'd, 
Supposing  all  was  right. 

4  Of  fierce  temptations  others  talk'd, 
Of  anguish  and  dismay, 

Through  what  distresses  they  had  walk'd, 
Before  they  found  the  way. 

5  Ah !  then  I  thought  my  hopes  were  vain, 
For  I  had  liv'd  at  ease  ; 

I  wish'd  for  all  my  fears  again, 
To  make  me  more  like  these. 

6  I  had  my  wish  ;  the  Lord  disclos'd 
The  evils  of  my  heart, 

And  left  my  naked  soul  expos'd 
To  Satan's  fiery  dart. 

7  Alas  !  "  I  now  must  give  it  up," 
I  cry'd  in  deep  despair  ; 

How  could  I  dream  of  drawing  hope, 
From  what  I  cannot  bear ! 

8  Again  my  Saviour  brought  me  aid, 
And  when  he  set  me  free, 

"  Trust  simply  on  my  word,"  he  said, 
"  And  leave  the  rest  to  me." 


XXXVI.       Prayer  answered  by   Crosses. 

I  ask'd  the  Lord,  that  I  might  grow 
In  faith  and  love,  and  ev'ry  grace  ; 

Might  more  of  his  salvation  know, 
And  seek  more  earnestly  his  face. 
2  D 


314  Conflict.  Book  III, 

2  Twas  he  who  taught  me  thus  to  pray, 

And  he,  I  trust,  has  answer 'd  pray'r ; 
But  it  has  been  in  such  a  way, 
As  almost  drove  me  to  despair. 

3  I  hop'd  that  in  some  favour'd  hour, 

At  once  he'd  answer  my  request ; 
And  by  his  love's  constraining  pow'r, 
Subdue  my  sins,  and  give  me  rest. 

4  Instead  of  this,  he  made  me  feel 

The  hidden  evils  of  my  heart ; 
And  let  the  angry  pow'rs  of  hell 
Assault  my  soul  in  ev'ry  part. 

5  Yea  more,  with  his  own  hand  he  seem'd 

Intent  to  aggravate  my  wo  ; 
Cross'd  all  the  fair  designs  I  schem'd, 
Blasted  my  gourds,  and  laid  me  low. 

6  Lord,  why  is  this,  I  trembling  cry'd, 

Wilt  thou  pursue  thy  worm  to  death ? 
"  'Tis  in  this  way,"  the  Lord  reply 'd, 
"  I  answer  pray'r  for  grace  and  faith. 

7  "  These  inward  trials  I  employ, 

"  From  self  and  pride  to  set  thee  free  ; 
"  And  break  thy  schemes  of  earthly  joy, 
"  That  thou  may'st  seek  thy  all  hi  me." 

XXXVII.      /  will  trust,  and  not  be  afraid. 

1  Begone,  unbelief, 
My  Saviour  is  near, 
And  for  my  relief 
Will  surely  appear : 


Hymn  37.  Conflict.  313 

By  pray'r  let  me  wrestle, 

And  he  will  perform ; 
With  Christ  in  the  vessel, 

I  smile  at  the  storm. 

2  Though  dark  be  my  way, 

Since  he  is  my  guide, 
'Tis  mine  to  obey, 

'Tis  his  to  provide  ; 
Though  cisterns  be  broken, 

And  creatures  all  fail, 
The  word  he  has  spoken 

Shall  surely  prevail. 

3  His  love  in  time  past 

Forbids  me  to  think 
He'll  leave  me  at  last, 

In  trouble  to  sink ; 
Each  sweet  Ebenezer 

I  have  in  review, 
Confirms  his  good  pleasure 

To  help  me  quite  through, 

4  Determin'd  to  save, 

He  watch 'd  o'er  my  path, 
When,  Satan's  blind  slave, 

I  sported  with  death ; 
And  can  he  have  taught  me 

To  trust  in  his  name, 
And  thus  far  have  brought  me, 

To  put  me  to  shame  ? 

5  Why  should  I  complain 

Of  want  or  distress, 
Temptation  or  pain  ? 
He  told  me  no  less  ; 


31G  Conflict.  Book  III. 

The  heirs  of  salvation, 

I  know  from  his  word, 
Through  much  tribulation 

Must  follow  their  Lord*. 

6  How  bitter  that  cup, 

No  heart  can  conceive, 
Which  he  drank  quite  up, 

That  sinners  might  live  ! 
His  way  was  much  rougher 

And  darker  than  mine ; 
Did  Jesus  thus  suffer, 

And  shall  I  repine  ? 

7  Since  all  that  I  meet 

Shall  work  for  my  good, 
The  bitter  is  sweet, 

The  med'cine  is  food ; 
Though  painful  at  present, 

'Twill  cease  before  long, 
And  then,  oh  !  how  pleasant 

The  conqueror's  songf ! 


XXXVIII.      Questions  to  Unbelief. 

If  to  Jesus  for  relief 

My  soul  has  fled  by  pray'r, 
Why  should  I  give  way  to  grief, 

Or  heart- consuming  care  ? 
Are  not  all  things  in  his  hand  ? 

Has  he  not  his  promise  past  ? 
Will  he  then  regardless  stand, 

And  let  me  sink  at  last  ? 

*  Acts  xiv.  22.  f  Rom.  viii.  ST. 


Hymn  3S.  Conflict,  317 

2  While  I  know  his  providence 

Disposes  each  event, 
Shall  I  judge  by  feeble  sense, 

And  yield  to  discontent  ? 
If  he  worms  and  sparrows  feed, 

Clothe  the  grass  in  rich  array*", 
Can  he  see  a  child  in  need, 

And  turn  his  eye  away  ? 

3  When  his  name  was  quite  unknown, 

And  sin  my  life  employ 'd ; 
Then  he  watch'd  me  as  his  own, 

Or  I  had  been  destroy 'd : 
Now  his  mercy- seat  I  know, 

Now  by  grace  am  reconcil'd ; 
Would  he  spare  me  while  a  foe, 

To  leave  me  when  a  child  f  ? 

4  If  he  all  my  wants  supply'd, 

When  I  disdain'd  to  pray, 
Now  his  Spirit  is  my  guide, 

How  can  he  say  me  nay  ? 
If  he  would  not  give  me  up 

When  my  soul  against  him  fought. 
Will  he  disappoint  the  hope 

Which  he  himself  has  wrought? 

5  If  he  shed  his  precious  blood 

To  bring  me  to  his  fold, 

Can  I  think  that  meaner  good 

He  ever  will  withhold  J  ? 

*  Matt.  vi.  26.     f  Rom.  v.  10.     \  Rom.  viii.  32. 


318  Conflict.  Book  III, 

Satan,  vain  is  thy  device  ! 

Here  my  hope  rests  well  assur'd, 
In  that  great  redemption-price, 

I  see  the  whole  secur'd. 


XXXIX.   Great  Effects  by  weak  Means. 

1  Unbelief  the  soul  dismays 
What  objections  will  it  raise ! 
But  true  faith  securely  leans 
On  the  promise,  in  the  means. 

2  If  to  faith  it  once  be  known, 
God  has  said,  "  It  shall  be  done, 
"  And  in  this  appointed  way  ;" 
Faith  has  then  no  more  to  say. 

3  Moses'  rod,  by  faith  uprear'd, 
Through  the  sea  a  path  prepar'd*  ; 
Jericho's  devoted  wall 

At  the  trumpet's  sound  must  fallf . 

4  With  a  pitcher  and  a  lamp, 
Gideon  overthrew  a  campj  ; 
And  a  stone,  wrell  aim'd  by  faith, 
Prov'd  the  arm'd  Philistine's  death  §. 

5  Thus  the  Lord  is  pleas'd  to  try 
Those  who  on  his  help  rely ; 

By  the  means  he  makes  it  known,. 
That  the  pow'r  is  all  his  own. 

*  Exod.  xiv.  21.         f  Joshua  vi.  20. 
|  Judges  vii.  22.         §  1  Sam.  xvii.  49. 


Hymn  40.  Conflict.  319 

6  Yet  the  means  are  not  in  vain, 
If  the  end  we  would  obtain  ; 
Though  the  breath  of  pray 'r  be  weak, 
None  shall  find  but  they  who  seek. 

7  God  alone  the  heart  can  reach. 
Yet  the  ministers  must  preach  ; 
'Tis  their  part  the  seed  to  sow, 
And  'tis  his  to  make  it  grow. 


XL.      Why  art  thou  cast  down  ? 

1  Be  still,  my  heart !  these  anxious  cares 
To  thee  are  burdens,  thorns,  and  snares  ; 
They  cast  dishonour  on  thy  Lord, 
And  contradict  his  gracious  word. 

2  Brought  safely  by  his  hand  thus  far. 
Why  wilt  thou  now  give  place  to  fear  ? 
How  canst  thou  want  if  he  provide, 

Or  lose  thy  way  with  such  a  guide  ? 

3  When  first  before  his  mercy- seat, 
Thou  didst  to  him  thy  all  commit ; 
He  gave  thee  warrant  from  that  hour, 
To  trust  his  wisdom,  love,  and  pow'r. 

4  Did  ever  trouble  yet  befall, 
And  he  refuse  to  hear  thy  call  ? 
And  has  he  not  his  promise  past, 
That  thou  shalt  overcome  at  last  ? 

5  Like  David,  thou  may'st  comfort  draw, 
Sav'd  from  the  bear's  and  lion's  paw ; 
Goliath's  rage  I  may  defy, 

For  God,  my  Saviour,  still  is  nigh. 


320  Conflict.  Book  III. 

6  He  who  has  help'd  me  hitherto, 
Will  help  me  all  my  journey  through, 
And  give  me  daily  cause  to  raise 
New  Ebenezers  to  his  praise. 

7  Though  rough  and  thorny  be  the  road, 
It  leads  the  home  apace  to  God  ; 
Then  count  thy  present  trials  small, 
For  heav'n  will  make  amends  for  all. 


XLI.      The  Way  of  Access. 

1  One  glance  of  thine,  eternal  Lord, 

Pierces  all  nature  through  ; 
Nor  heav'n,  nor  earth,  nor  hell,  afford 
A  shelter  from  thy  view  ! 

2  The  mighty  whole,  each  smaller  part, 

At  once  before  thee  lies ; 
And  ev'ry  thought  of  ev'ry  heart 
Is  open  to  thine  eyes. 

3  Though  greatly  from  myself  conceaPd, 

Thou  see'st  my  inward  frame  ; 
To  thee  I  always  stand  reveal'd, 
Exactly  as  I  am. 

4  Since  therefore  I  can  hardly  bear 

What  in  myself  I  see ; 
How  vile  and  black  must  I  appear, 
Most  holy  God,  to  thee  ? 

5  But  since  my  Saviour  stands  between, 

In  garments  dy'd  in  blood, 

'Tis  he,  instead  of  me,  is  seen, 

When  I  approach  to  God. 


Hymn  42.  Conflict.  321 

6  Thus,  though  a  sinner,  I  am  safe  ; 

He  pleads  before  the  throne 

His  life  and  death  in  my  behalf, 

And  calls  my  sins  his  own. 

7  What  wondrous  love,  what  mysteries, 

In  this  appointment  shine  ! 

My  breaches  of  the  law  are  his, 

And  his  obedience  mine*. 

XLII.      The  Pilgrim's  Song. 

1  From  Egypt  lately  freed 

By  the  Redeemer's  grace, 
A  rough  and  thorny  path  we  tread,' 
In  hopes  to  see  his  face. 

2  The  flesh  dislikes  the  way, 

But  faith  approves  it  well ; 
This  only  leads  to  endless  day, 
All  others  lead  to  hell. 

3  The  promis'd  land  of  peace 

Faith  keeps  in  constant  view ; 
How  differ 'nt  from  the  wilderness 
We  now  are  passing  through  ! 

4  Here  often  from  our  eyes 

Clouds  hide  the  light  divine  ; 
There  we  shall  have  unclouded  skies^ 
Our  Sun  will  always  shine. 

5  Here  griefs,  and  cares,  and  pains, 

And  fears,  distress  us  sore  ; 

But  there  eternal  pleasure  reigns, 

And  we  shall  weep  no  more. 

*  2  Cor.  v.  21. 


322  Comfort.  Book  III, 

6  Lord,  pardon  our  complaints, 
We  follow  at  thy  call ; 
The  joy  prepaid  for  suffering  saints 
Will  make  amends  for  all. 


SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.  Hymns  10,  13,  21,  22,  24,  27,  40, 
43,  44,  51,  56,  63,  76,  88,  107, 
115,  126,  130,  131,  136,  142. 

Book  II.     Hymns  30,  31,  84,  87,  92. 


IV.    COMFORT. 


XLIII.     Faith  a  new  and  comprehensive  Seme, 

1  Sight,  hearing,  feeling,  taste,  and  smell, 

Are  gifts  we  highly  prize  ; 
But  faith  does  singly  each  excel, 
And  all  the  five  comprise. 

2  More  piercing  than  the  eagle's  sight, 

It  views  the  world  unknown,  . 
Surveys  the  glorious  realms  of  light, 
And  Jesus  on  the  throne. 

3  It  hears  the  mighty  voice  of  God, 

And  ponders  what  he  saith  ; 
His  word  and  works,  his  gifts  and  rod, 
Have  each  a  voice  to  faith. 


Hymn  44.  Comfort.  323 

4  It  feels  the  touch  of  heav'nly  pow'r  *, 

And  from  that  boundless  source, 
Derives  fresh  vigour  ev'ry  hour 
To  run  its  daily  course. 

5  The  truth  and  goodness  of  the  Lord 

Are  suited  to  its  taste  f  ; 
Mean  is  the  worldling's  pamper'd  board, 
To  faith's  perpetual  feast. 

6  It  smells  the  dear  Redeemer's  name 

Like  ointment  poured  forthj ; 
Faith  only  knows,  or  can  proclaim, 
Its  savour  or  its  worth. 

•  7  Till  saving  faith  possess  the  mind, 
In  vain  of  sense  we  boast ; 
We  are  but  senseless,  tasteless,  blind, 
And  deaf,  and  dead,  and  lost. 

XLIV.   C.    The  happy  Change. 

1  How  blest  thy  creature  is,  O  God, 

When,  with  a  single  eye, 
He  views  the  lustre  of  thy  word, 
The  day  spring  from  on  high! 

2  Through  all  the  storms  that  veil  the  skies, 

And  frown  on  earthly  things  ; 
The  Sun  of  righteousness  he  eyes, 
With  healing  on  his  wings. 

3  Struck  by  that  light,  the  human  heart, 

A  barren  soil  no  more, 
Sends  the  sweet  smell  of  grace  abroad, 
Where  serpents  lurk'd  before ), 

*  Luke  viii.  46.  t  Psai.  cxix.  103. 

\  Solomon's  Song,  i.  3.      §  Isa.  xxxv.  7. 


321  Comfort.  Book  III. 

4  The  soul,  a  dreary  province  once 

Of  Satan's  dark  domain, 
Feels  a  new  empire  form'd  within, 
And  owns  a  heav'nly  reign. 

5  The  glorious  orb,  whose  golden  beams 

The  fruitful  year  control, 
Since  first,  obedient  to  thy  word, 
He  started  from  the  goal, 

6  Has  cheer'd  the  nations  with  the  joys 

His  orient  rays  impart ; 
But,  Jesus,  'tis  thy  light  alone 
Can  shine  upon  the  heart. 


XLV.  C.  Retirement. 

1  Far  from  the  world,  O  Lord,  I  flee, 

From  strife  and  tumult  far ; 
From  scenes  where  Satan  wages  still 
His  most  successful  war. 

2  The  calm  retreat,  the  silent  shade, 

With  pray'r  and  praise  agree  ; 
And  seem  by  thy  sweet  bounty  made, 
For  those  who  follow  thee. 

3  There  if  thy  Spirit  touch  the  soul, 

And  grace  her  mean  abode, 
Oh,  with  what  peace  and  joy,  and  love, 
She  communes  with  her  God ! 

4  There,  like  the  nightingale,  she  pours 

Her  solitary  lays  ; 
Nor  asks  a  witness  of  her  song, 
Nor  thirsts  for  human  praise. 


Hymn  46.  Comfort.  325 

5  Author  and  Guardian  of  my  life, 

Sweet  source  of  light  divine, 
And,  (all  harmonious  names  in  one,) 
My  Saviour,  thou  art  mine  ! 

6  What  thanks  I  owe  thee,  and  what  love, 

A  boundless,  endless  store, 
Shall  echo  through  the  realms  above 
When  time  shall  be  no  more. 

XLVI.   Jesus  my  all. 

1  Why  should  I  fear  the  darkest  hour, 
Or  tremble  at  the  tempter's  pow'r  ? 
Jesus  vouchsafes  to  be  my  tow'r. 

2  Though  hot  the  fight,  why  quit  the  field  ? 
Why  must  I  either  flee  or  yield, 

Since  Jesus  is  my  mighty  shield? 

3  When  creature- comforts  fade  and  die, 
Worldlings  may  weep ;  but  why  should  I  ? 
Jesus  still  lives,  and  still  is  nigh. 

4  Though  all  the  flocks  and  herds  were  dead, 
My  soul  a  famine  need  not  dread, 

For  Jesus  is  my  living  bread. 

5  I  know  not  what  may  soon  betide, 
Or  how  my  wants  shall  be  supply 'd ; 
But  Jesus  knows,  and  will  provide. 

6  Though  sin  would  fill  me  with  distress, 
The  throne  of  grace  I  dare  address, 
For  Jesus  is  my  righteousness. 

7  Though  faint  my  pray'rs,  and  cold  my  love, 
My  steadfast  hope  shall  not  remove, 
While  Jesus  intercedes  above. 

2  E 


£26  Comfort.  Book  III. 

8  Against  me  earth  and  hell  combine  ; 
But  on  my  side  is  powY  divine ; 
Jesus  is  all,  and  he  is  mine. 


XLVII.  C.   The  Hidden  Life. 

1  To  tell  the  Saviour  all  my  wants, 

How  pleasing  is  the  task  ! 
Nor  less  to  praise  him  when  he  grants 
Beyond  what  I  can  ask. 

2  My  lab 'ring  spirit  vainly  seeks 

To  tell  but  half  the  joy  ; 
With  how  much  tenderness  he  speaks, 
And  helps  me  to  reply. 

3  Nor  were  it  wise,  nor  should  I  choose 

Such  secrets  to  declare  ; 
Like  precious  wines,  their  taste  they  lose 
Expos'd  to  open  air. 

4  But  this  with  boldness  I  proclaim, 

Nor  care  if  thousands  hear, 
Sweet  is  the  ointment  of  his  name, 
Not  life  is  half  so  dear. 

5  And  can  you  frown,  my  former  friends. 

Who  knew  what  once  I  was  ; 
And  blame  the  song  that  thus  commends 
The  man  who  bore  the  cross  ?  • 

G  Trust  me,  I  draw  the  likeness  true, 
And  not  as  fancy  paints ; 
Such  honour  may  he  give  to  you, 
For  such  have  all  hi§  saints. 


Hymn  43.  Comfort.,  327 


XLVIII.     Joy  and  Peace  in  believing. 

1  Sometimes  a  light  surprises 

The  Christian  while  he  sings  ; 
It  is  the  Lord  who  rises 

With  healing  in  his  wings  : 
When  comforts  are  declining, 

He  grants  the  soul  again 
A  season  of  clear  shining, 

To  cheer  it  after  rain. 

2  In  holy  contemplation, 

We  sweetly  then  pursue 
The  theme  of  Goal's  salvation, 

And  find  it  ever  new : 
Set  free  from  present  sorrow, 

We  cheerfully  can  say, 
E'en  let  th'  unknown  to-morrow^ 

Bring  with  it  w~hat  it  may. 

3  It  can  bring  with  it  nothing 

But  he  will  bear  us  through  ; 
Who  gives  the  lilies  clothing, 

Will  clothe  his  people  too  : 
Beneath  the  spreading  heavens, 

No  creature  but  is  fed  ; 
And  he  who  feeds  the  ravens, 

Will  give  his  children  bread. 

4  Though  vine  nor  fig-tree  neither 

Their  wonted  fruit  shall  bear, 

Though  all  the  field  should  wither, 

Nor  flocks  nor  herds  be  there  : 

*  Matth.  vi.  34. 


328  Comfort.  Book  III 

Yet  God  the  same  abiding, 

His  praise  shall  tune  my  voice  ; 

For  while  in  him  confiding, 
I  cannot  but  rejoice*. 


XLIX.     C.      True  Pleasures. 

1  Lord,  my  soul  with  pleasure  springs, 

When  Jesus*  name  I  hear ; 
And  when  God  the  Spirit  brings 

The  word  of  promise  near : 
Beauties,  too,  in  holiness, 

Still  delighted  I  perceive ; 
Nor  have  words  that  can  express 

The  joys  thy  precepts  give. 

2  Cloth'd  in  sanctity  and  grace, 

How  sweet  it  is  to  see 
Those  who  love  thee  as  they  pass. 

Or  when  they  wait  on  thee  ! 
Pleasant  too,  to  sit  and  tell 

What  we  owe  to  love  divine  ; 
Till  our  bosoms  grateful  swell, 

And  eyes  begin  to  shine. 

3  Those  the  comforts  I  possess, 

Which  God  shall  still  increase, 
All  his  ways  are  pleasantness, 

And  all  his  paths  are  peace  f. 
Nothing  Jesus  did  or  spoke, 

Henceforth  let  me  ever  slight ; 
For  I  love  his  easy  yoke, 

And  find  his  burden  light  J. 

*  Ilabakkuk  ili.  1 7,  1 8.    f  Prov.  iii.  1 7.  \  Matt.  xi.  30. 


Hymn  51.  Comfort.  329 

L.     C.       The  Christian. 

1  Honour  and  happiness  unite 

To  make  the  Christian's  name  a  praise  : 
How  fair  the  scene,  how  clear  the  light> 
That  fills  the  remnant  of  his  days ! 

2  A  kingly  character  he  bears, 

No  change  his  priestly  office  knows-; 
Unfading  is  the  crown  he  wears, 
His  joys  can  never  reach  a  close. 

3  Adorn'd  with  glory  from  on  high, 

Salvation  shines  upon  his  face  ; 
His  robe  is  of  th'  ethereal  dye, 
His  steps  are  dignity  and  grace, 

4  Inferior  honours  he  disdains, 

Nor  stoops  to  take  applause  from  earth  $ 
The  King  of  kings  himself  maintains 
Th'  expenses  of  his  heav'nly  birth, 

5  The  noblest  creature  seen  below, 

Ordain'd  to  fill  a  throne  above ; 
God  gives  him  all  he  can  bestow, 
His  kingdom  of  eternal  love  ! 

6  My  soul  is  ravish'd  at  the  thought ! 

Methinks  from  earth  I  see  him  rise ; 
Angels  congratulate  his  lot, 

And  shout  him  welcome  to  the  skies  I 

LI.     G.      Lively  Hope  and  gracious  Fear, 

1  I  was  a  grov'ling  creature  once, 
And  basely  cleav'd  to  earth ; 
I  wanted  spirit  to  renounce 
The  clod  that  gave  me  birth, 

2  E  2 


330  Comfort.  Book  III. 

2  But  God  has  breath'd  upon  a  worm, 

And  sent  me,  from  above, 
Wings,  such  as  clothe  an  angel's  form, 
The  wings  of  joy  and  love. 

3  With  these  to  Pisgah's  top  I  fly, 

And  there  delighted  stand, 
To  view  beneath  a  shining  sky, 
The  spacious  promised  land. 

4  The  Lord  of  all  the  vast  domain 

Has  promis'd  it  to  me ; 
The  length  and  breadth  of  all  the  plain, 
As  far  as  faith  can  see. 

5  How  glorious  is  my  privilege  ! 

To  thee  for  help  I  call ; 
I  stand  upon  a  mountain's  edge, 
Oh  save  me,  lest  I  fall ! 

6  Though  much  exalted  in  the  Lord, 

My  strength  is  not  my  own  ; 

Then  let  me  tremble  at  his  word, 

And  none  shall  cast  me  down. 

LI  I.     Confidence. 

1  Yes  !  since  God  himself  has  said  it, 

On  the  promise  I  rely  : 
His  good  word  demands  my  credit, 
What  can  unbelief  reply  ? 
He  is  strong  and  can  fulfil ; 
He  is  truth,  and  therefore  will. 

2  As  to  all  the  doubts  and  questions 

Which  my  spirit  often  grieve, 
These  are  Satan's  sly  suggestions, 

And  I  need  no  answer  give  : 
He  would  fain  destroy  my  hope, 
But  the  promise  bears  it  up. 


Hymn  53.  Comfort.  331 

3  Sure  the  Lord  thus  far  has  brought  me 

By  his  watchful  tender  care  ; 
Sure  'tis  he  himself  has  taught  me 

How  to  seek  his  face  by  pray'r : 
After  so  much  mercy  past, 
Will  he  give  me  up  at  last  ? 

4  True,  I've  been  a  foolish  creature, 

And  have  sinn'd  against  his  grace  ; 
But  forgiveness  is  his  nature, 

Though  he  justly  hides  his  face  : 
Ere  he  call'd  me,  well  he  knew 
What  a  heart  like  mine  would  do*. 

5  In  my  Saviours  intercession 

Therefore  I  will  still  confide ; 
Lord,  accept  my  free  confession, 
I  have  sinn'd,  but  thou  hast  dy'df: 
This  is  all  I  have  to  plead, 
This  is  all  the  plea  I  need. 


LIII.     Peace  restored. 

1  Oh,  speak  that  gracious  word  again, 

And  cheer  my  drooping  heart, 
No  voice  but  thine  can  sooth  my  pain, 
Or  bid  my  fears  depart. 

2  And  canst  thou  still  vouchsafe  to  own 

A  wretch  so  vile  as  I  ? 
And  may  I  still  approach  thy  throne, 
And  Abba,  Father,  cry  ? 

*  Isa.  xlviii.  8.  t  Rom»  viii.  34, 


332  Comfort,  Book  Til. 

3  Oh,  then  let  saints  and  angels  join, 

And  help  me  to  proclaim 
The  grace  that  heal'd  a  breach  like  mine, 
And  put  my  foes  to  shame ! 

4  How  oft  did  Satan's  cruel  boast 

My  troubled  soul  affright ! 
He  told  me  I  was  surely  lost, 
And  God  had  left  me  quite*. 

5  Guilt  made  me  fear,  lest  all  were  true 

The  lying  tempter  said  ; 
But  now  the  Lord  appears  in  view, 
My  enemy  is  fled. 

6  My  Saviour,  by  his  powVful  word, 

Has  turn'd  my  night  to  day  ; 
And  his  salvation's  joys  restor'd, 
Which  I  had  sinn'd  away. 

7  Dear  Lord,  I  wonder  and  adore, 

Thy  grace  is  all  divine  ; 
Oh  keep  me,  that  I  sin  no  more 
Against  such  love  as  thine  ! 

L1V.     Hear  what  he  has  done  for  my  Soul. 

I  Sav'd  by  blood,  I  live  to  tell 

What  the  love  of  Christ  hath  done  ; 
He  redeem'd  my  soul  from  hell, 

Of  a  rebel  made  a  son  : 
Oh  !  I  tremble  still,  to  think 

How  secure  I  liv'd  in  sin ; 
Sporting  on  destruction's  brink, 

Yet  preserv'd  from  falling  in. 

*  Psal.  lxxi.  n. 


Hymn  55.  Comfort.  333 

2  In  his  own  appointed  hour, 

To  my  heart  the  Saviour  spoke  : 
Touch'd  me  by  his  Spirit's  pow'r, 

And  my  dang'rous  slumber  broke. 
Then  I  saw  and  own'd  my  guilt, 

Soon  my  gracious  Lord  reply 'd  : 
*  Fear  not,  I  my  blood  have  spilt, 

"  'Twas  for  such  as  thee  I  dy'd." 

3  Shame  and  wonder,  joy  and  love, 

All  at  once  possess 'd  my  heart ; 
Can  I  hope  thy  grace  to  prove 

After  acting  such  a  part  ? 
"  Thou  hast  greatly  sinn'd,"  he  said, 

"  But  I  freely  all  forgive  ; 
"  I  myself  thy  debt  have  paid, 

"  Now  I  bid  thee  rise  and  live." 

4  Come,  my  fellow-sinners,  try ; 

Jesus'  heart  is  full  of  love  ! 
Oh,  that  you,  as  well  as  I, 

May  his  wondrous  mercy  prove  ! 
He  has  sent  me  to  declare, 

All  is  ready,  all  is  free  : 
Why  should  any  soul  despair, 

When  he  sav'd  a  wretch  like  me  ? 

LV.  Freedom  from  Care. 

1  While  Iliv'd  without  the  Lord, 

(If  I  might  be  said  to  live,) 
Nothing  could  relief  afford, 
Nothing  satisfaction  give. 

2  Empty  hopes  and  groundless  fear 

Mov'd  by  turns  my  anxious  mind ; 
Like  a  feather  in  the  air, 

Made  the  sport  of  ev'ry  wind. 


334  Comfort.  Book  III. 

3  Now,  I  see,  whate'er  betide, 

All  is  well  if  Christ  be  mine  ; 
He  has  promis'd  to  provide, 
I  have  only  to  resign. 

4  When  a  sense  of  sin  and  thrall 

Forc'd  me  to  the  sinners  Friend, 
He  engag'd  to  manage  all, 
By  the  way  and  to  the  end. 

5  "  Cast,"  he  said,  "  on  me  thy  care^ 

"  'Tis  enough  that  I  am  nigh; 
"  I  will  all  thy  burdens  bear, 
"  I  will  all  thy  wants  supply. 

6  "  Simply  follow  as  I  lead, 

"  Do  not  reason  but  believe  ; 
"  Call  on  me  in  time  of  need, 

"  Thou  shalt  surely  help  receive." 

7  Lord,  I  would,  I  do  submit, 

Gladly  yield  my  all  to  thee ; 
What  thy  wisdom  sees  most  fit, 
Must  be,  surely,  best  for  me. 

8  Only  when  the  way  is  rough, 

And  the  coward  flesh  would  start, 
Let  thy  promise  and  thy  love 
Cheer  and  animate  my  heart. 

LVI.  Humiliation  and  Praise.     . 
(Imitated  from  the  German.) 

1  When  the  wounded  spirit  hears 
The  voice  of  Jesus'  blood, 
How  the  message  stops  the  tears 
Which  else  in  vain  had  flow'd  : 

*  Psal.  lv.  22.;   1  Pet.  v.  7. 


Hymn  56.  Comfort.  335 

Pardon,  grace,  and  peace  proclaim'd, 
And  the  sinner  call'd  a  child ; 

Then  the  stubborn  heart  is  tam'd, 
Renew'd,  and  reconcil'd. 

2  Oh  !  'twas  grace  indeed,, to  spare 

And  save  a  wretch  like  me  ! 
Men  or  angels  could  not  bear 

What  I  have  offer'd  thee  : 
Were  thy  bolts  at  their  command, 

Hell  ere  now  had  been  my  place  ; 
Thou  alone  couldst  silent  stand, 

And  wait  to  show  thy  grace. 

3  If  in  one  created  mind 

The  tenderness  and  love 
Of  thy  saints  on  earth  were  join'd, 

With  all  the  hosts  above  ; 
Still  that  love  were  weak  and  poor, 

If  compar'd,  my  Lord,  with  thine ; 
Far  too  scanty  to  endure 

A  heart  so  vile  as  mine. 

4  Wondrous  mercy  I  have  found, 

But  ah !  how  faint  my  praise ! 
Must  I  be  a  cumber- ground, 

Unfruitful  all  my  days  ? 
Do  I  in  thy  garden  grow, 

Yet  produce  thee  only  leaves ! 
Lord,  forbid  it  should  be  so ! 

The  thought  my  spirit  grieves.     ' 

5  Heavy  charges  Satan  brings 

To  fill  me  with  distress ; 
Let  me  hide  beneath  thy  wings, 
And  plead  thy  righteousness. 


336  Comfort.  Book  III. 

Lord,  to  thee  for  help  I  call, 

'Tis  thy  promise  bids  me  come ; 
Tell  him  thou  hast  paid  for  all, 

And  that  shall  strike  him  dumb. 


LVII.     C.     For  the  Poor. 


1  When  Hagar  found  the  bottle  spent 

And  wept  o'er  Ishmael ; 
A  message  from  the  Lord  was  sent 
To  guide  her  to  a  well*. 

2  Should  not  Elijah's  cake  and  cruise  f 

Convince  us  at  this  day, 
A  gracious  God  will  not  refuse 
Provisions  by  the  way  ? 

3  His  saints  and  servants  shall  be  fed, 

The  promise  is  secure ; 
"  Bread  shall  be  giv'n  them,"  as  he  said. 
"  Their  water  shall  he  sure  J." 

4  Repasts  far  richer  they  shall  prove, 

Than  all  earth's  dainties  are  ; 
'Tis  sweet  to  taste  a  Saviour's  love, 
Though  in  the  meanest  fare. 

5  To  Jesus  then  your  trouble  bring, 

Nor  murmur  at  your  lot ; 
While  you  are  poor,  and  he  is  King, 
You  shall  not  be  forgot. 

*Gcn.  xxi.  19.     t  1  Kings  xvii.  14.    \  Isa.  xxxiii.  16. 


Hymn  58.  Comfort.  337 

LVIII.  Home  in  View. 

1  As  when  the  weary  trav'ller  gains 

The  height  of  some  o'erlooking  hill, 
His  heart  revives,  if  cross  the  plains 
He  eyes  his  home,  though  distant  still. 

2  While  he  surveys  the  much-lov'd  spot, 

He  slights  the  space  that  lies  between ; 
His  past  fatigues  are  now  forgot, 
Because  his  journey's  end  is  seen. 

3  Thus,  when  the  Christian  pilgrim  views, 

By  faith  his  mansion  in  the  skies, 
The  sight  his  fainting  strength  renews, 
And  wings  his  speed  to  reach  the  prize  : 

4  The  thought  of  home  his  spirit  cheers, 

No  more  he  grieves  for  troubles  past ; 
Nor  any  future  trial  fears, 

So  he  may  safe  arrive  at  last^. 

5  'Tis  there,  he  says,  I  am  to  dwell 

With  Jesus,  in  the  realms  of  day  ; 
Then  I  shall  bid  my  cares  farewell, 
And  he  will  wipe  my  tears  away. 

6  Jesus,  on  thee  our  hope  depends, 

To  lead  us  on  to  thine  abode  : 
Assur'd  our  home  will  make  amends 
For  all  our  toil  while  on  the  road. 

SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.  Hymns  4,  7,  9,  11, 25, 35,  36, 39,  41, 
46,  47,  48,  70,  95,  128,  132. 
Book  II.  Hymns  45,  46,  47. 

*  Acts  xx.  24. 

2  F 


338  Dedication  and  Surrender.     Book  III. 

V.  DEDICATION  AND  SURRENDER. 

LIX.   Old  Things  are  passed  away. 

1  Let  worldly  minds  the  world  pursue, 

It  has  no  charms  for  me  ; 
Once  I  admir'd  its  trifles  too, 
But  grace  has  set  me  free. 

2  Its  pleasures  now  no  longer  please, 

No  more  content  afford ; 
Far  from  my  heart  be  joys  like  these, 
Now  I  have  seen  the  Lord. 

3  As  by  the  light  of  op'ning  day 

The  stars  are  all  conceal'd ; 
So  earthly  pleasures  fade  away, 
When  Jesus  is  reveal'd. 

,4  Creatures  no  more  divide  my  choice, 
I  bid  them  all  depart ; 
His  name,  and  love,  and  gracious  voice. 
Have  fix'd  my  roving  heart. 

5  Now,  Lord,  I  would  be  thine  alone, 
And  wholly  live  to  thee ; 
But  may  I  hope  that  thou  wilt  own 
A  worthless  worm  like  me  ? 

Q  Yes !  though  of  sinners  I'm  the  worst, 
I  cannot  doubt  thy  will ; 
For  if  thou  hadst  not  lov'd  me  first, 
I  had  refus'd  thee  still  * 

*  Jer.  xxxi.  8. 


Hymn  60.      Dedication  and  Surrender.  339 

LX.      The  Power  of  Grace. 

1  Happy  the  birth  where  grace  presides 

To  form  the  future  life  ! 
In  wisdom's  paths  the  soul  she  guides, 
Remote  from  noise  and  strife. 

2  Since  I  have  known  the  Saviour's  name, 

And  what  for  me  he  bore  ; 

No  more  I  toil  for  empty  fame, 

I  thirst  for  gold  no  more. 

3  Plac'd  by  his  hand  in  this  retreat, 

I  make  his  love  my  theme  ; 
And  see  that  all  the  world  calls  great 
Is  but  a  waking  dream. 

4  Since  he  has  rank'd  my  worthless  name 

Amongst  his  favour'd  few ; 
Let  the  mad  world  who  scoff  at  them, 
Revile  and  hate  me  too. 

5  O  thou  whose  voice  the  dead  can  raise, 

And  soften  hearts  of  stone, 
And  teach  the  dumb  to  sing  thy  praise, 
This  work  is  all  thine  own. 

6  Thy  wond'ring  saints  rejoice  to  see 

A  wretch  like  me  restor'd ; 
And  point,  and  say,  "  How  chang'd  is  he, 
"  Who  once  defy'd  the  Lord !" 

7  Grace  bid  me  live,  and  taught  my  tongue 

To  aim  at  notes  divine  ; 
And  grace  accepts  my  feeble  song, 
The  glory,  Lord,  be  thine  ! 


340  Dedication  and  Surrender.      Book  III. 

LXI.    C.     My  Soul  thirstethfor  God. 

1  I  thirst,  but  not  as  once  I  did, 

The  vain  delights  of  earth  to  share ; 
Thy  wounds,  Immanuel,  all  forbid 

That  I  should  seek  my  pleasures  there. 

2  It  was  the  sight  of  thy  dear  cross, 

First  wean'd  my  soul  from  earthly  things. 
And  taught  me  to  esteem  as  dross 

The  mirth  of  fools  and  pomp  of  kings. 

3  I  want  that  grace  that  springs  from  thee, 

That  quickens  all  things  where  it  flows, 
And  makes  a  wretched  thorn,  like  me, 
Bloom  as  the  myrtle,  or  the  rose. 

4  Dear  Fountain  of  delight  unknown ! 

No  longer  sink  below  the  brim ; 
But  overflow,  and  pour  me  down 
A  living,  and  life-giving  stream ! 

5  For  sure,  of  all  the  plants  that  share 

The  notice  of  thy  Father's  eye, 
None  proves  less  grateful  to  his  care, 
Or  yields  him  meaner  fruit  than  I. 

LXII.     C.      Love  constraining  to  Obedience. 

1  No  strength  of  nature  can  suffice 

To  serve  the  Lord  aright ; 
And  what  she  has,  she  misapplies, 
For  want  of  clearer  light. 

2  How  long  beneath  the  law  I  lay 

In  bondage  and  distress  ! 
I  toii'd  the  precept  to  obey, 
But  toii'd  without  success. 


Hymn  03.     Dedication  and  Surrender.  341 

3  Then  to  abstain  from  outward  sin, 

Was  more  than  I  could  do  ; 
Now,  if  I  feel  its  pow'r  within, 
I  feel  I  hate  it  too. 

4  Then  all  my  servile  works  were  done 

A  righteousness  to  raise  ; 

Now,  freely  chosen  in  the  Son, 

I  freely  choose  his  wrays. 

5  "  What  shall  I  do,"  was  then  the  wrord!, 

"  That  I  may  worthier  grow?" 
"  What  shall  I  render  to  the  Lord  ?" 
Is  my  inquiry  now. 

6  To  see  the  law  by  Christ  fulfhTd, 

And  hear  his  pard'ning  voice, 
Changes  a  slave  into  a  child, 
And  duty  into  choice*. 

LXIII.  C.   The  heart  healed  and  changed  by  Mercy, 

1  Sin  enslav'd  me  many  years, 
And  led  me  bound  and  blind ; 

Till  at  length  a  thousand  fears 
Came  swarming  o'er  my  mind. 

"  Where,"  I  said  in  deep  distress, 
"  Will  these  sinful  pleasures  end  ? 

"  How  shall  I  secure  my  peace, 
"  And  make  the  Lord  my  friend  ?" 

2  Friends  and  ministers  said  much 

The  Gospel  to  enforce  ; 
But  my  blindness  still  was  such, 
I  chose  a  legal  course  : 

*  Rom.  iii.  31, 

2F  2 


3 £2  Dedication  and  Surrender,      Book  III. 

Much  I  fasted,  watch'd,  and  strove, 
Scarce  would  show  my  face  abroad v 

Fear'd  almost,  to  speak  or  move, 
A  stranger  still  to  God. 

3  Thus  afraid  to  trust  his  grace, 

Long  time  did  I  rebel ; 
Till,  despairing  of  my  case, 

Down  at  his  feet  I  fell : 
Then  my  stubborn  heart  he  broke.* 

And  subdu'd  me  to  his  sway  ; 
By  a  simple  word  he  spoke, 

4t  Thy  sins  are  done  away." 


LXIV.     C.     Hatred  of  Sin. 

1  Holy  Lord  God!  I  love  thy  truth, 

Nor  dare  thy  least  commandment  slight ; 
Yet  piere'd  by  sin,  the  serpent's  tooth, 
I  mourn  the  anguish  of  the  bite. 

2  But  though  the  poison  lurks  within, 

Hope  bids  me  still  with  patience  wait ; 
Till  death  shall  set  me  free  from  sin, 
Free  from  the  only  thing  I  hate. 

3  Had  I  a  throne  above  the  rest, 

Where  angels  and  archangels  dwell ; 
One  sin,  unslain,  within  my  breast, 

Would  make  that  heav'n  as  dark  as  hell. 

4  The  pris'ner,  sent  to  breathe  fresh  air, 

And  bless'd  with  liberty  again, 
Would  mourn,  were  he  condemn 'd  to  wear 
One  link  of  all  his  former  chain. 


Hymn  65.     Dedication  and  Surrender*  343 

5  But,  oh  !  no  foe  invades  the  bliss, 

When  glory  crowns  th'  Christian's  head ; 
One  view  of  Jesus  as  he  is, 

Will  strike  all  sin  for  ever  dead. 


LXV.      The  Child*. 

1  Quiet,  Lord,  my  fro  ward  heart, 

Make  me  teachable  and  mild, 
Upright,  simple,  free  from  art, 

Make  me  as  a  weaned  child  : 
From  distrust  and  envy  free> 
Pleas'd  with  all  that  pleases  thee. 

2  What  thou  shalt  to-day  provide, 

Let  me  as  a  child  receive  ; 
What  to-morrow  may  betide, 
Camly  to  thy  wisdom  leave  : 
'Tis  enough  that  thou  wilt  care, 
Why  should  I  the  burden  bear  ? 

3  As  a  little  child  relies 

On  a  care  beyond  his  own  ; 
Knows  he's  neither  strong  nor  wise  ; 

Fears  to  stir  a  step  alone ; 
Let  me  thus  with  thee  abide, 
As  my  Father,  Guard,  and  Guide. 

4  Thus  preserv'd  from  Satan's  wiles, 

Safe  from  dangers,  free  from  fears, 
May  I  live  upon  thy  smiles, 

Till  the  promis'd  hour  appears, 
When  the  sons  of  God  shall  prove 
All  their  Father's  boundless  love. 

*  Psal.  cxxxi.  2.;  Matt,  xviii.  3,  4. 


3-li  Dedication  And  Surrender.       Book  III, 


LXVI.       True  Haji]i'mes$+ 

1  Fix  my  heart  and  eyes  on  thine  ! 

What  are  other  objects  worth  ? 
But  to  see  thy  glory  shine, 

Is  a  heav'n  begun  on  earth  : 
Trifles  can  no  longer  move, 

Oh !  I  tread  on  all  beside, 
When  I  feel  my  Saviour's  love, 

And  remember  how  he  dy'd. 

2  Now  my  search  is  at  an  end, 

Now  my  wishes  rove  no  more  ! 
Thus  my  moments  I  would  spend, 

Love,  and  wonder,  and  adore  : 
Jesus,  source  of  excellence  ! 

All  thy  glorious  love  reveal ! 
Kingdoms  shall  not  bribe  me  hence. 

While  this  happiness  I  feel. 

3  Take  my  heart,  'tis  all  thine  own, 

To  thy  will  my  spirit  frame  ? 
Thou  shalt  reign,  and  thou  alone, 

Over  all  I  have,  or  am  : 
If  a  foolish  thought  shall  dare 

To  rebel  against  thy  word, 
Slay  it,  Lord,  and  do  not  spare  ; 

Let  it  feel  thy  Spirit's  sword. 

4  Making  thus  the  Lord  my  choice, 

I  have  nothing  more  to  choose, 
But  to  listen  to  thy  voice, 
And  my  will  in  thine  to  lose  : 


Hymn  67.     Dedication  and  Surrender,  3i5 

Thus,  whatever  may  betide, 

I  shall  safe  and  happy  be  ; 
Still  content  and  satisfy  'd, 

Having  all,  in  having  thee. 

LXVII.   The  Happy  Debtor. 

1  Ten  thousand  talents  once  I  ow'd, 

And  nothing  had  to  pay  ; 
But  Jesus  freed  me  from  the  load, 
And  wash'd  my  debt  away. 

2  Yet  since  the  Lord  forgave  my  sin, 

And  blotted  out  my  score  ; 
Much  more  indebted  I  have  been, 
Than  e'er  I  was  before. 

3  My  guilt  is  cancelTd  quite,  I  know, 

And  satisfaction  made ; 
But  the  vast  debt  of  love  I  owe, 
Can  never  be  repaid. 

4  The  love  I  owe  for  sin  forgiv'n, 

For  power  to  believe, 
For  present  peace,  and  promis'd  heav'n, 
No  angel  can  conceive. 

5  That  love  of  thine,  thou  sinner's  Friend ! 

Witness  thy  bleeding  heart ! 
My  little  all  can  ne'er  extend 
To  pay  a  thousandth  part. 

6  Nay  more,  the  poor  returns  I  make 

I  first  from  thee  obtain  *  ; 
And  'tis  of  grace,  that  thou  wilt  take 
Such  poor  returns  again. 

*  1  Chron.  xxix.  14. 


346  Cautions.  Book  III. 

7  'Tis  well — it  shall  my  glory  be, 
(Let  who  will  boast  their  store,) 
In  time  and  to  eternity, 

To  owe  thee  more  and  more. 

SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.  Hymns  27,  50,  70,  93,  122. 
Book  II.  Hymns  23,  90. 


VI.  CAUTIONS. 

LXVIII.  C.   The  JVew  Convert. 

1  The  new-born  child  of  Gospel  grace, 

Like  some  fair  tree  when  summer's  nigh, 
Beneath  Immanuel's  shining  face, 
Lifts  up  his  blooming  branch  on  high. 

2  No  fears  he  feels,  he  sees  no  foes, 

No  conflict  yet  his  faith  employs, 
Nor  has  he  learnt  to  whom  he  owes, 
The  strength  and  peace  his  soul  enjoys. 

3  But  sin  soon  darts  its  cruel  sting, 

And  comforts  sinking  day  by  day ; 
What  seem'd  his  own,  a  self-fed  spring, 
Proves  but  a  brook  that  glides  away. 

4  When  Gideon  arm'd  his  num'rous  host, 

The  Lord  soon  made  his  numbers  less  ; 
And  said,  lest  Israel  vainly  boast  *, 
"  My  arm  procured  me  this  success.* * 

*  Judges  vii.  2. 


Hymn  G9.  Cautions.  347 

5  Thus  will  he  bring  our  spirits  down, 
And  draw  our  ebbing  comforts  low, 
That  sav'd  by  grace,  but  not  our  own, 
We  may  not  claim  the  praise  we  owe. 

LXIX.     C.     True  and  false  Comforts. 

1  O  God,  whose  favourable  eye 

The  sin-sick  soul  revives, 
Holy  and  heav'nly  is  the  joy 
Thy  shining  presence  gives. 

2  Not  such  as  hypocrites  suppose, 

Who,  with  a  graceless  heart, 
Taste  not  of  thee,  but  drink  a  dose, 
Prepar'd  by  Satan's  art. 

3  Intoxicating  joys  are  theirs, 

Who,  while  they  boast  their  light, 
And  seem  to  soar  above  the  stars, 
Are  plunging  into  night. 

4  LulPd  in  a  soft  and  fatal  sleep, 

They  sin,  and  yet  rejoice  ; 
Were  they  indeed  the  Saviour's  sheep, 
Would  they  not  hear  his  voice  ? 

5  Be  mine  the  comforts  that  reclaim 

The  soul  from  Satan's  pow'r  ; 
That  make  me  blush  for  what  I  am, 
And  hate  my  sin  the  more. 

6  'Tis  joy  enough,  my  All  in  AU, 

At  thy  dear  feet  to  lie  ; 
Thou  wilt  not  let  me  lower  fall, 
And  none  can  higher  fly. 


34S  Cautions.  Book  III. 

LXX.      True  and  false  Zeal. 

1  Zeal  is  that  pure  and  heav'nly  flame 

The  fire  of  love  supplies ; 
While  that  which  often  bears  the  name, 
Is  self  in  a  disguise. 

2  True  zeal  is  merciful  and  mild, 

Can  pity  and  forbear  ; 
The  false  is  headstrong,  fierce,  and  wild, 
And  breathes  revenge  and  war. 

3  While  zeal  for  truth  the  Christian  warms, 

He  knows  the  worth  of  peace  ; 
But  self  contends  for  names  and  forms, 
Its  party  to  increase. 

4  Zeal  has  attain'd  its  highest  aim, 

Its  end  is  satisfy 'd, 
If  sinners  love  the  Saviours  name, 
Nor  seeks  it  aught  beside. 

5  But  self,  however  well  employ 'd, 

Has  its  own  ends  in  view  ; 
And  says,  as  boasting  Jehu  cry'd, 
"  Come  see  what  I  can  do*." 

6  Self  may  its  poor  reward  obtain, 

And  be  applauded  here  ; 
But  zeal  the  best  applause  will  gain, 
When  J  esus  shall  appear. 

7  Dear  Lord,  the  idol  self  dethrone, 

And  fro m  our  hearts  remove ; 
And  let  no  zeal  by  us  be  shown, 
But  that  which  springs  from  love. 
*  2  Kings  x.  1 6. 


Hymn  71.  Cautions.  349 

LXXI.  C.  A  living  and  a  dead  Faith. 

1  The  Lord  receives  his  highest  praise 

From  humble  minds  and  hearts  sincere  ; 
While  all  the  loud  professor  says 
Offends  the  righteous  Judge's  ear. 

2  To  walk  as  children  of  the  day, 

To  mark  the  precepts'  holy  light, 
To  wage  the  warfare,  watch  and  pray, 
Show  who  are  pleasing  in  his  sight. 

3  Not  words  alone  it  cost  the  Lord, 

To  purchase  pardon  for  his  own ; 
Nor  will  a  soul,  by  grace  restor'd, 
Return  the  Saviour  words  alone. 

4  With  golden  bells,  the  priestly  vest, 

And  rich  pomegranates  border'd  round*. 
The  need  of  holiness  express 'd, 
And  call'd  for  fruit  as  well  as  sound. 

5  Easy,  indeed,  it  were  to  reach 

A  mansion  in  the  courts  above, 
If  swelling  words  and  fluent  speech 
Might  serve,  instead  of  faith  and  love, 

6  But  none  shall  gain  the  blissful  place, 

Or  God's  unclouded  glory  see, 
Who  talks  of  free  and  so v 'reign  grace, 
Unless  that  grace  has  made  him  free  ? 

*  Exod.  xxviii.  33. 


2  G 


350  Cautions.  Book  III. 

LXXII.   C.  Abuse  of  the  Gospel. 

1  Too  many,  Lord,  abuse  thy  grace, 

In  this  licentious  day  ; 
And  while  they  boast  they  see  thy  face, 
They  turn  their  own  away. 

2  Thy  book  displays  a  gracious  light 

That  can  the  blind  restore  ; 
But  these  are  dazzled  by  the  sight, 
And  blinded  still  the  more. 

3  The  pardon  such  presume  upon, 

They  do  not  beg,  but  steal ; 
And  when  they  plead  it  at  thy  throne, 
Oh  !  where's  the  Spirit's  seal  ? 

4  Was  it  for  this,  ye  lawless  tribe, 

The  dear  Redeemer  bled  ? 
Is  this  the  grace  the  saints  imbibe, 
From  Christ,  the  living  head  ? 

5  Ah,  Lord,  we  know  thy  chosen  few 

Are  fed  with  heav'nlv  fare  ; 
But  these,  the  wretched  husks  they  chew 
Proclaim  them  what  they  are. 

G  The  liberty  our  hearts  implore, 
Is  not  to  live  in  sin  ; 
But  still  to  wait  at  wisdom's  door, 
Till  mercy  calls  us  in. 

LXXIII.  C.    The  narrow  Way. 

1  What  thousands  never  knew  the  road  ! 
What  thousands  hate  it  when  'tis  known ! 
None  but  the  chosen  tribes  of  God 
Will  seek  or  choose  it  for  their  own. 


Hymn  74.  Cautions,  351 

2  A  thousand  ways  in  ruin  end, 

One  only  leads  to  joys  on  high ; 
By  that  my  willing  steps  ascend, 
Pleas'd  with  a  journey  to  the  sky. 

3  No  more  I  ask  or  hope  to  find 

Delight  or  happiness  below ; 
Sorrow  may  well  possess  the  mind 

That  feeds  where  thorns  and  thistles  grow. 

4  The  joy  that  fades  is  not  for  me, 

I  seek  immortal  joys  above  ; 
There  glory  without  end  shall  be 
The  bright  reward  of  faith  and  love. 

5  Cleave  to  the  world,  ye  sordid  worms, 

Contented  lick  your  native  dust ; 
But  God  shall  fight  with  all  his  storms, 
Against  the  idol  of  your  trust. 

LXXIV.     C.      Dependence. 

1  To  keep  the  lamp  alive, 

With  oil  we  fill  the  bowl ; 
'Tis  water  makes  the  willow  thrive, 
And  grace  that  feeds  the  soul. 

2  The  Lord's  unsparing  hand 

Supplies  the  living  stream  ; 
It  is  not  at  our  own  command, 
But  still  deriv'd  from  him. 

3  Beware  of  Peter's  word*, 

Nor  confidently  say, 
"  I  never  will  deny  thee,  Lord," 
But  "  Grant  I  never  may.'' 
*  Matt,  axvi.  33. 


352  Cautions,  Book  III. 

4  Man's  wisdom  is  to  seek 

His  strength  in  God  alone  ; 
And  e'en  an  angel  would  be  weak, 
Who  trusted  in  his  own. 

5  Retreat  beneath  his  wings, 

And  in  his  grace  confide  ; 
This  more  exalts  the  King  of  kings 
Than  all  your  works  beside*. 

6  In  Jesus  is  our  store, 

Grace  issues  from  his  throne  ; 
Whoever  says,  "  I  want  no  more/* 
Confesses  he  has  none. 

LXXV.     C.      M>'t  of  Works.  &i.Z.#. 

1  Grace,  triumphant  in  the  throne, 
Scorns  a  rival,  reigns  alone  ! 
Come,  and  bow  beneath  her  sway, 
Cast  your  idol  works  away. 
Works  of  man,  when  made  his  plea, 
Never  shall  accepted  be ; 
Fruits  of  pride,  (vain-glorious  worm  !) 
Are  the  best  he  can  perform. 

2  Self,  the  god  his  soul  adores, 
Influences  all  his  pow'rs  ; 
Jesus  is  a  slighted  name, 
Self-advancement  all  his  aim. 
But  when  God  the  Judge  shall  come, 
To  pronounce  the  final  doom, 
Then  for  rocks  and  hills  to  hide 
All  his  works  and  all  his  pride  ! 

*  John  vi.  29. 


Hymn  76.  Cautions.  353 

3  Still  the  boasting  heart  replies, 
What !  the  worthy  and  the  wise, 
Friends  to  temperance  and  peace, 
Have  not  these  a  righteousness  ? 
Banish  ev'ry  vain  pretence 
Built  on  human  excellence  ; 
Perish  ev'ry  thing  in  man, 
But  the  grace  that  never  can. 

LXX VI.      Sin's  Deceit.  &&.  S.  13. 

1  Sin,  when  view'd  by  Scripture  light; 
Is  a  horrid,  hateful  sight ; 

But  when  seen  in  Satan's  glass, 
Then  it  wears  a  pleasing  face. 

2  When  the  Gospel  trumpet  sounds, 
When  I  think  how  grace  abounds, 
When  I  feel  sweet  peace  within, 
Then  I'd  rather  die  than  sin. 

3  When  the  cross  I  view  by  faith, 
Sin  is  madness,  poison,  death ; 
Tempt  me  not,  'tis  all  in  vain, 
Sure  I  ne'er  can  yield  again. 

4  Satan,  for  a  while  debarr'd, 
When  he  finds  me  off  my  guardj 
Puts  his  glass  before  my  eyes ; 
Quickly  other  thoughts  arise. 

5  What  before  excited  fears, 
Rather  pleasing  now  appears ; 
If  a  sin,  it  seems  so  small, 
Or.  perhaps,  no  sin  at  all. 

3  G  2 


354  Cautions.  Book  III, 

6  Often  thus,  through  sin's  deceit, 
Grief,  and  shame,  and  loss  I  meet  ; 
Like  a  fish,  my  soul  mistook, 
Saw  the  bait,  but  not  the  hook. 

7  O  my  Lord,  what  shall  I  say  ? 
How  can  I  presume  to  pray  ? 
Not  a  word  have  I  to  plead, 
Sins  like  mine  are  black  indeed  I 

8  Made,  by  past  experience,  wise, 
Let  me  learn  thy  word  to  prize, 
Taught  by  what  I've  felt  before, 
Let  me  Satan's  glass  abhor. 

LXXVII.       Are  there  few  that  shall  be  saved? 

1  Destruction's  dang'rous  road 

What  multitudes  pursue ! 
While  that  which  leads  the  soul  to  God, 
Is  known  or  sought  by  few. 

2  Believers  enter  in 

By  Christ,  the  living  gate  ; 
But  they  who  will  not  leave  their  sin, 
Complain  it  is  too  strait. 

3  If  self  must  be  deny'd, 

And  sin  forsaken  quite  ; 
They  rather  choose  the  way  that's  wide, 
And  strive  to  think  it  right, 

4  Encompass 'd  by  a  throng, 

On  numbers  they  depend ; 
So  many  surely  can't  be  wrong, 
And  miss  a  happy  end. 


Hymn  78*  Cautions.  355 

5  But  numbers  are  no  mark 

That  men  will  right  be  found  ; 
A  few  were  sav'd  in  Noah's  ark*, 
For  many  millions  drown 'd. 

6  Obey  the  Gospel  call, 

And  enter  while  you  may  ; 
The  flock  of  Christ  is  always  small  f, 
And  none  are  safe  but  they. 

7  Lord,  open  sinners'  eyes, 

Their  awful  state  to  see  ; 
And  make  them,  ere  the  storm  arise. 
To  thee  for  safety  flee. 


LXXVIII.     The  Sluggard. 

1  The  wishes  that  the  sluggard  frames  J, 

Of  course  must  fruitless  prove ; 
With  folded  arms  he  stands  and  dreams, 
But  has  no  heart  to  move. 

2  His  field  from  others  may  be  known, 

The  fence  is  broken  through ; 
The  ground  with  weeds  is  overgrown, 
And  no  good  crop  in  view. 

3  No  hardship  he,  or  toil,  can  bear, 

No  difficulty  meet ; 
He  wastes  his  hours  at  home,  for  fear 
Of  lions  in  the  street. 

*  1  Pet.  iii.  20.  f  Luke  xii.  32. 

|  Prov.  vi.  10.  and  xxiy.  SO.  andxxii.  13.  &  xx.  4. 


35(5  Cautions.  Book  III. 

4  What  wonder,  then,  if  sloth  and  sleep 

Distress  and  famine  bring ! 
Can  he  in  harvest  hope  to  reap, 
Who  will  not  sow  in  spring  ? 

5  'Tis  often  thus,  in  soul- concerns, 

We  Gospel- sluggards  see  ; 
Who,  if  a  wish  would  serve  their  turns, 
Might  true  believers  be. 

6  But  when  the  preacher  bids  them  watch, 

And  seek,  and  strive,  and  pray*  : 
At  ev'ry  poor  excuse  they  catch, 
"  A  lion  in  the  way  !'' 

7  To  use  the  means  of  grace,  how  loth  ! 

We  call  them  still  in  vain  ; 
They  yield  to  their  beloved  sloth, 
And  fold  their  arms  again. 

8  Dear  Saviour,  let  thy  pow'r  appear, 

The  outward  call  to  aid  ; 
These  drowsy  souls  can  only  hear 
The  voice  that  wakes  the  dead. 

LXXIX.     Not  in  Word,  but  in  Power. 

1  How  soon  the  Saviours  gracious  call, 
Disarm 'd  the  rage  of  bloody  Saulf, 
Jesus,  the  knowledge  of  thy  name, 
Changes  the  lion  to  a  lamb  ! 

2  Zaccheus,  when  he  knew  the  Lord, 
What  he  had  gain'd  by  wrong,  restor'd  ; 
And  of  the  wealth  he  priz'd  before, 

He  gave  the  half  to  feed  the  poor  J. 

*  1  Cor.  ix.  24.     Luke  xiii.  24.         t  Acts  ix.  6. 
|  Luke  xix.  8. 


Hymn  79.  Cautions.  357 

3  The  woman  who  so  vile  had  been* 
When  brought  to  weep  o'er  pardon'd  sin, 
Was  from  her  evil  ways  estrang'd, 

And  show'd  that  grace  her  heart  hadchang'd. 

4  And  can  we  think  the  pow'r  of  grace 
Is  lost,  by  change  of  time  and  place  ? 
Then  it  was  mighty,  all  allow, 

And  is  it  but  a  notion  now  ? 

5  Can  they  whom  pride  and  passion  sway, 
Who  Mammon  and  the  world  obey, 

In  envy  or  contention  live, 
Presume  that  they  indeed  believe  ? 

6  True  faith  unites  to  Christ  the  root, 
By  him  producing  holy  fruit ; 

And  they  who  no  such  fruit  can  show, 
Still  on  the  stock  of  nature  grow. 

7  Lord,  let  thy  word  effectual  prove, 
To  work  in  us  obedient  love  ! 

And  may  each  one  who  hears  it  dread 
A  name  to  live,  and  yet  be  dead  f« 


SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.     Hymns  8,  20,  85,  87,  91,  104,  125, 

139,  141. 
Book  II.     Hymns  34,  49,  86,  91,  99. 

*  Luke  vii.  47.  t  Rev.  iii.  1. 


358  Praise.  Book  III. 

VII.  PRAISE. 

LXXX.     C.     Praise  for  Faith. 

1  Of  all  the  gifts  thine  hand  bestows, 

Thou  Giver  of  all  good  ! 
Not  heav'n  itself  a  richer  knows, 
Than  my  Redeemer's  blood. 

2  Faith  too,  the  blood-receiving  grace, 

From  the  same  hand  we  gain  ; 
J5&/  Else,  sweetly  as  it  suits  our  case, 
That  gift  had  been  in  vain. 

3  'Till  thou  thy  teaching  pow'r  apply, 

Our  hearts  refuse  to  see, 
And  weak,  as  a  distemper'd  eye, 
Shut  out  the  view  of  thee. 

4  Blind  to  the  merits  of  thy  Son, 

What  mis'ry  we  endure  ! 
Yet  fly  that  hand,  from  which  alone, 
We  could  expect  a  cure. 

5  We  praise  thee,  and  would  praise  thee  more. 

To  thee  our  all  we  owe  ; 
The  precious  Saviour,  and  the  pow'r 
That  makes  him  precious  too. 

LXXXI.     C.     Grace  and  Providence. 

1  Almighty  King !  whose  wondrous  hand 
Supports  the  weight  of  sea  and  land ; 
Whose  grace  is  such  a  boundless  store, 
No  heart  shall  break  that  sighs  for  more. 


Hynm  32.  'Praise.  359 

2  Thy  providence  supplies  my  food, 
And  'tis  thy  blessing  makes  it  good  ; 
My  soul  is  nourish'd  by  thy  word, 
Let  soul  and  body  praise  the  Lord. 

3  My  streams  of  outward  comfort  came 
From  him,  who  built  this  earthly  frame ; 
Whate'er  I  want  his  bounty  gives, 

By  whom  my  soul  for  ever  lives. 

4  Either  his  hand  preserves  from  pain, 
Or,  if  I  feel  it,  heals  again  ; 

From  Satan's  malice  shields  my  breast, 
Or  over-rules  it  for  the  best. 

5  Forgive  the  song  that  falls  so  low 
Beneath  the  gratitude  I  owe  ! 

It  means  thy  praise,  however  poor, 
And  angel's  song  can  do  no  more. 


LXXXII.  Praise  for  redeeming  Love.. 

1  Let  us  love,  and  sing,  and  wonder, 

Let  us  praise  the  Saviour's  name  ! 
He  has  hush'd  the  law's  loud  thunder, 

He  has  quench'd  mount  Sinai's  flame  : 
He  has  wash'd  us  with  his  blood, 
He  has  brought  us  nigh  to  God. 

2  Let  us  love  the  Lord  who  bought  us, 

Pity'd  us  when  enemies, 
Call'd  us  by  his  grace,  and  taught  us, 
Gave  us  ears,  and  gave  us  eyes  : 
He  has  wash'd  us  with  his  blood, 
He  presents  our  souls  to  God. 


3G0  Praise.  Book  III, 

3  Let  us  sing,  though  fierce  temptations 

Threaten  hard  to  bear  us  down  ! 
For  the  Lord,  our  strong  salvation, 

Holds  in  view  the  conqu'ror's  crown* : 
He  who  wash'd  us  with  his  blood, 
Soon  will  bring  us  home  to  God. 

4  Let  us  wonder,  grace  and  justice 

Join,  and  point  to  mercy's  store ; 
When  through  grace  in  Christ  our  trust  is, 

Justice  smiles,  and  asks  no  more  : 
He  who  wash'd  us  with  his  blood, 
Has  secur'd  our  way  to  God. 

5  Let  us  praise,  and  join  the  chorus 

Of  the  saints  enthron'd  on  high ; 
Here  they  trusted  him  before  us, 
Now  their  praises  fill  the  sky ; 

"  Thou  hast  wash'd  us  with  thy  blood, 
"  Thou  art  worthy,  Lamb  of  Godf  I" 

6  Hark  !  the  name  of  Jesus  sounded 

Loud  from  golden  harps  above  ! 

Lord,  we  blush,  and  are  confounded, 

Faint  our  praises,  cold  our  love  ! 

Wash  our  souls  and  songs  with  blood. 
For  by  thee  we  come  to  God. 

LXXXIII.  C.  I  will  praise  the  Lord  at  all  Times. 

L  Wi  n  t E  r  has  a  joy  for  me, 

While  the  Saviour's  charms  I  read, 
Lowly,  meek,  from  blemish  free, 
In  the  snow-drops'  pensive  head. 

*  Rev.  ii.  10.  f  Rev.  v.  9. 


Hymn  84.  Praise.  SGI 

2  Spring  returns,  and  brings  along 

Life- invigorating  suns  : 
Hark  !  the  turtle's  plaintive  song, 
Seems  to  speak  his  dying  groans  ! 

3  Summer  has  a  thousand  charms, 

All  expressive  of  his  worth  ; 
'Tis  his  sun  that  lights  and  warms  ; 
His  the  air  that  cools  the  earth. 

4  What,  has  autumn  left  to  say 

Nothing  of  a  Saviour's  grace  ? 
Yes,  the  beams  of  milder  day 
Tell  me  of  his  smiling  face. 

5  Light  appears  with  early  dawn ; 

While  the  sun  makes  haste  to  rise, 
See  his  bleeding  beauties  drawn 
On  the  blushes  of  the  skies. 

6  Ev'ning,  with  a  silent  pace, 

Slowly  moving  in  the  west, 
Shows  an  emblem  of  his  grace, 
Points  to  an  eternal  rest. 

LXXXIV.      Perseverance, 

1  Rejoice,  believer,  in  the  Lord, 

Who  makes  your  cause  his  own  ; 
The  hope  that's  built  upon  his  word 
Can  ne'er  be  overthrown. 

2  Though  many  foes  beset  your  road, 

And  feeble  is  your  arm  ; 
Your  life  is  hid  with  Christ  in  God*, 
Beyond  the  reach  of  harm, 
*  Col.  3.  iii. 
2  H 


o&2  Trahe.  Book  III. 

3  Weak  as  you  are,  you  shall  not  faint, 

Or  fainting  shall  not  die ; 
Jesus,  the  strength  of  ev'ry  saint, 
Will  aid  you  from  on  high*. 

4  Though  sometimes  unperceiv'd  by  sense, 

Faith  sees  him  always  near, 
A  Guide,  a  Glory,  a  Defence, 
Then  what  have  you  to  fear  ? 

5  As  surely  as  he  overcame, 

And  triu  mph'd  once  for  you  ; 
So  surely  you,  that  love  his  name, 
Shall  triumph  in  him  too. 

LXXXV.      Salvation. 

1  Salvation!  what  a  glorious  plan, 

How  suited  to  our  need  ! 
The  grace  that  raises  fallen  man 
Is  wonderful  indeed ! 

2  'Twas  wisdom  form'd  the  vast  design. 

To  ransom  us  when  lost ; 
And  love's  unfathomable  mine 
Provided  all  the  cost. 

3  Strict  justice,  with  approving  look. 

The  holy  cov'nant  seal'd; 
And  truth  and  power  undertook 
The  whole  should  be  fulfill'd. 

4  Truth,  wisdom,  justice,  pow'r,  and  love, 

In  all  their  glory  shone, 
When  Jesus  left  the  courts  above, 
And  dy'd  to  save  his  own. 

*  Isaiah  xl.  29. 


Hymn  80.  Praise.  36." 

5  Truth,  wisdom,  justice,  pow'r,  and  love, 
Are  equally  display  'd, 
Now  Jesus  reigns  enthron'd  above, 
Our  Advocate  and  Head. 

6*  Now  sin  appears  deserving  death, 
Most  hateful  and  abhorr'd  ; 
And  yet  the  sinner  lives  by  faith, 
And  dares  approach  the  Lord. 


LXXXVI. 

1  Now  may  the  Lord  reveal  his  face, 

And  teach  our  stammering  tongues 
To  make  his  sov 'reign,  reigning  grace*, 

The  subject  of  our  songs ! 
No  sweeter  subject  can  invite 

A  sinner's  heart  to  sing, 
Or  more  display  the  glorious  right 

Of  our  exalted  King. 

2  This  subject  fills  the  starry  plains 

With  wonder,  joy,  and  love ; 
And  furnishes  the  noblest  strains 

For  all  the  harps  above  : 
While  the  redeem'd  in  praise  combine 

To  grace  upon  the  throne, 
Angels  in  solemn  chorus  join, 

And  make  the  theme  their  ownf . 

3  Grace  reigns,  to  pardon  crimson  sins, 

To  melt  the  hardest  hearts  ; 
And  from  the  work  it  once  begins 
It  never  more  departs  J. 

*  Rom.  v.  21.         t  Rev.v.  9—12.       J  Phil.  i.  6. 


364  Praise.  Book  III. 

The  world  and  Satan  strive  in  vain 

Against  the  chosen  few  ; 
Secur'd  by  grace's  conquering  reign. 

They  all  shall  conquer  too-. 

4  Grace  tills  the  soil,  and  sows  the  seeds, 

Provides  the  sun  and  rain ; 
Till  from  the  tender  blade  proceeds 

The  ripen 'd  harvest  grain. 
' Twas  grace  that  cail'd  our  souls  at  first ; 

By  grace  thus  far  we're  come  ; 
And  grace  will  help  us  through  the  worst, 

And  lead  us  safely  home. 

5  Lord,  when  this  changing  life  is  past, 

If  we  may  see  thy  face, 
How  shall  we  praise  and  love  at  last, 

And  sing  the  reign  of  grace f  ! 
Yet  let  us  aim,  while  here  below, 

Thy  mercy  to  display  ; 
And  own,  at  least,  the  debt  we  owe, 

Although  we  cannot  pay. 

LXXXVII.     Praise  to  the  Redeemer. 

1  Prepare  a  thankful  song 

To  the  Redeemer's  name ! 
His  praises  should  employ  each  tongue, 
And  ev'ry  heart  inflame  ! 

2  He  laid  his  glory  by, 

And  dreadful  pains  endur'd, 
That  rebels,  such  as  you  and  I, 

From  wrath  might  be  secur'd. 

*   Rom.  via.  3 — 59.  f  Psal.  cxv.  I. 


Hymn  87.  Fraisc.  3(J5 

3  Upon  the  cross  he  dy'd, 

Our  debt  of  sin  to  pay  ; 
The  blood  and  water  from  his  side 
Wash  guilt  and  filth  away. 

4  And  now  he  pleading  stands 

For  us,  before  the  throne, 
And  answers  all  the  law's  demands 
With  what  himself  hath  done. 

5  He  sees  us,  willing  slaves 

To  sin  and  Satan's  pow'r  ; 
But,  with  an  outstretched  arm,  he  saves 
In  his  appointed  hour. 

6  The  Holy  Ghost  he  sends, 

Our  stubborn  souls  to  move, 
To  make  his  enemies  his  friends, 
And  conquer  them  by  love. 

7  The  love  of  sin  departs, 

The  life  of  grace  takes  place, 
Soon  as  his  voice  invites  our  hearts 
To  rise  and  seek  his  face. 

8  The  world  and  Satan  rage, 

But  he  their  powV  controls  ; 
His  wisdom,  love,  and  truth,  engage 
Protection  for  our  souls. 

9  Though  press'd,  we  will  not  yield, 

But  shall  prevail  at  length  ; 
For  Jesus  is  our  sun  and  shield, 

Our  righteousness  and  strength, 

10  Assur'd  that  Christ,  our  King, 

Will  put  our  foes  to  flight, 
We  on  the  field  of  battle  sing, 
And  triumph  while  we  fight. 

2H2 


366  Praise.  Book  III. 

LXXXVIII.    Man  by  Nature,  Grace,  and  Glory. 

1  Lord,  what  is  man !  extremes  how  wide. 

In  this  mysterious  nature  join  ! 

The  flesh,  to  worms  and  dust  ally'd, 

The  soul  immortal  and  divine  ! 

2  Divine  at  first,  a  holy  flame 

Kindled  by  the  Almighty's  breath  ; 
Till,  stain *d  by  sin,  it  soon  became 
The  seat  of  darkness,  strife,  and  death. 

3  But  Jesus,  oh  !  amazing  grace  ! 

Assum'd  our  nature  as  his  own, 
Obey'd  and  suffer 'd  in  our  place, 
Then  took  it  with  him  to  his  throne. 

4  Now  what  is  man,  when  grace  reveals 

The  virtue  of  a  Saviour's  blood  ? 
Again  a  life  divine  he  feels, 
Despises  earth,  and  walks  with  God. 

5  And  what  in  yonder  realms  above, 

Is  ransom'd  man  ordain'd  to  be  ? 
With  honour,  holiness,  and  love, 
No  seraph  more  adorn'd  than  he. 

6  Nearest  the  throne,  and  first  in  song, 

Man  shall  his  hallelujahs  raise  ; 
While  wond'ring  angels  round  him  throng. 
And  swell  the  chorus  of  his  praise. 

SIMILAR  HYMNS. 

Book  I.    Hymns  57,  58,  59,  79,  80. 
Book  II.  Hymns  37,  38,  39,  41,  42. 


Hymn  91.  Short  Hymns.  367 


VIII.     SHORT  HYMNS—BEFORE  SERMON, 

HYMN  LXXXIX. 

1  Confirm  the  hope  thy  word  allows., 

Behold  us  waiting  to  be  fed  ; 
Bless  the  provisions  of  thy  house, 

And  satisfy  thy  poor  with  bread  : 
Drawn  by  thine  invitation,  Lord, 

Athrist  and  hungry  we  are  come  ; 
Now  from  the  fulness  of  thy  word, 

Feast  us,  and  send  us  thankful  home. 


HYMN  XC. 

1  Now,  Lord,  inspire  the  preacher's  heart, 

And  teach  his  tongue  to  speak  ; 
Food  to  the  hungry  soul  impart, 
And  cordials  to  the  weak. 

2  Furnish  us  all  with  light  and  pow'rs 

To  walk  in  wisdom's  ways  : 
So  shall  the  benefit  be  ours, 
And  thou  shalt  have  the  praise. 


HYMN  XCI. 

Th  y  promise,  Lord,  and  thy  command , 
Have  brought  us  here  to-day ; 

And  now,  we  humbly  waiting  stand 
To  hear  what  thou  wilt  say*. 

*  Psal.  lxxxv.  8. 


SG3  Short  Hymns.  Book  III. 

2  Meet  us,  we  pray,  with  words  of  peace  ; 
And  fill  our  hearts  with  love  ; 
That  from  our  follies  we  may  cease, 
And  henceforth  faithful  prove. 


HYMN  XCII. 

1  Hungry,  and  faint,  and  poor, 

Behold  us,  Lord,  again 
Assembled  at  thy  mercies'  door, 
Thy  bounty  to  obtain. 

2  Thy  word  invites  us  nigh, 

Or  we  must  starve  indeed  ; 
For  we  no  money  have  to  buy, 
No  righteousness  to  plead. 

3  The  food  our  spirits  want 

Thy  hand  alone  can  give  ; 
Oh,  hear  the  pray'r  of  faith,  and  grant 
That  we  may  eat  and  live. 


HYMN  XCIII.— Psal.  cvi.  4,  5. 

Remember  us,  we  pray  thee,  Lord, 

With  those  who  love  thy  gracious  name  ; 

And  to  our  souls  that  good  afford, 
Thy  promise  has  prepar'd  for  them. 

To  us  thy  great  salvation  show, 
Give  us  a  taste  of  love  divine  ; 

That  we  thy  people's  joy  may  know. 
And  in  their  holy  triumph  join. 


Hymn  95.  Short  Hymns.  360 

HYMN  XCIV. 

1  Not  to  Sinai's  dreadful  blaze, 
But  to  Zion's  throne  of  grace, 
By  a  way  mark'd  out  with  blood, 
Sinners  now  approach  to  God*. 

2  Not  to  hear  the  fiery  law, 
But  with  humble  joy  to  draw 
Water,  by  that  well  supply  'd, 
Jesus  open'd  when  he  dy'df . 

3  Lord,  there  are  no  streams  but  thine 
Can  assuage  a  thirst  like  mine  ; 
'Tis  a  thirst  thyself  didst  give  ; 
Let  me  therefore  drink  and  live. 

HYMN  XCV.  >  3 

1  Often  thy  public  means  of  grace, 
Thy  thirsty  people's  wat'ring  place, 

The  archers  have  beset  J; 
Attack'd  them  in  thy  house  of  pray'r, 
To  prison  dragg'd,  or  to  the  bar, 

When  thus  together  met. 

2  But  we  from  such  assaults  are  freed, 
Can  pray,  and  sing,  and  hear,  and  read, 

And  meet,  and  part,  in  peace  : 
May  we  our  privileges  prize, 
In  their  improvement  make  us  wise, 

And  bless  us  with  increase. 

3  Unless  thy  presence  thou  afford, 
Unless  thy  blessing  clothe  the  word, 

*  Heb.  xii.  18 — 24.      f  Isa.  xii.  3.      \  Judges  v.  11. 


370  Short  Hymns.  Book  ITT. 

In  vain  our  liberty ! 
What  would  it  profit  to  maintain 
A  name  for  life,  should  we  remain 

Formal  and  dead  to  thee  ? 

AFTER  SERMON. 
HYMN  XCVI.—Deut.  xxxlii.  26—29. 

1  With  Israel's  God  who  can  compare? 
Or  who  like  Israel  happy  are  ? 

O  people  saved  by  the  Lord, 

He  is  thy  shield  and  great  reward  ! 

2  Upheld  by  everlasting  arms, 

Thou  art  secur'd  from  foes  and  harms ; 
In  vain  their  plots,  and  false  their  boasts, 
Our  refuge  is  the  Lord  of  hosts. 

HYMN  XCVII.— Habakkuk  iii.  17,  18. 

Jesus  is  mine !  Pm  now  prepar'd 

To  meet  with  what  I  thought  most  hard  ; 

Yes,  let  the  winds  of  trouble  blow, 

And  comforts  melt  away  like  snow : 

No  blasted  trees,  or  failing  crops, 

Can  hinder  my  eternal  hopes  ; 

Tho'  creatures  change,  the  Lord's  th'  same ; 

Then  let  me  triumph  in  his  name. 

HYMN  XCVIII. 

We  seek  a  rest  beyond  the  skies, 

In  everlasting  day ; 
Thro'  floods  and  flames  the  passage  lies, 

But  Jesus  guards  the  way  : 


Hymn  100.  Short  Hymns.  371 

The  swelling  flood,  and  raging  flame, 

Hear  and  obey  his  word ; 
Then  let  us  triumph  in  his  name, 

Our  Saviour  is  the  Lord. 


HYMN  XCIX.— - Deut.  xxxii.  9,  10. 

The  saints  Immanuel's  portion  are, 

Redeem'd  by  price,  reclaim'd  by  pow'r  ; 

His  special  choice,  and  tender  care, 

Owns  them  and  guards  them  ev'ry  hour. 

He  finds  them  in  a  barren  land, 

Beset  with  sins,  and  fears,  and  foes ; 

He  leads  and  guides  them  by  his  hand, 
And  bears  them  safe  from  all  their  foes. 


HYMN  C — Hebrews  xiii.  20— .22. 

Now  may  he  who  from  the  dead 
Brought  the  Shepherd  of  the  sheep, 

Jesus  Christ,  our  King  and  Head, 
All  our  souls  in  safety  keep  ! 

May  he  teach  us  to  fulfil 

What  is  pleasing  in  his  sight ; 

Perfect  us  in  all  his  will, 

And  preserve  us  day  and  night ! 

To  that  deal'  Redeemer's  praise, 

Who  tlie  cov'nant  seaPd  with  blood, 

Let  our  hearts  and  voices  raise 
Loud  thanksgivings  to  our  God, 


372  Short  Hymus.  Book  III, 

HYMN  CI — 2  Corinthians  xiii.  14. 

May  the  grace  of  Christ  our  Saviour, 

And  the  Father's  boundless  love, 
With  the  Holy  Spirit's  favour, 

Rest  upon  us  from  above ! 
Thus  may  we  abide  in  union 

With  each  other,  and  the  Lord ; 
And  possess,  in  sweet  communion, 

Joys  which  earth  cannot  afford. 

HYMN  CII. 

The  peace  which  God  alone  reveals, 

And  by  his  word  of  grace  imparts, 
Which  only  the  believer  feels, 

Direct  and  keep,  and  cheer  your  hearts* : 
And  may  the  only  Three  in  Onc; 

The  Father,  Word,  and  Comforter, 
Pour  an  abundant  blessing  down 

On  ev'ry  soul  assembled  here  ! 

HYMN  CIII. 

1  To  thee  our  wants  are  known, 
From  thee  are  all  our  pow'rs ; 

Accept  what  is  thine  own, 
And  pardon  what  is  ours  : 

Our  praises,  Lord,  and  pray'rs  receive, 
And  to  thy  word  a  blessing  give. 

*  Phil.  iv.  r. 


Hymn  101.  Short  Hymns.  373 

2  Oh,  grant  that  each  of  us 

Now  met  before  thee  here, 
May  meet  together  thus, 

When  thou  and  thine  appear ! 
And  follow  thee  to  heav'n  our  home  : 
E'en  so,  Amen,  Lord  Jesus,  come*. 


GLORIA  PATRI. 
HYMN  CIV. 

1  The  Father  we  adore, 

And  everlasting  Son, 
The  Spirit  of  his  love  and  powr, 
The  glorious  Three  in  One. 

2  At  the  creation's  birth 

This' song,  was  sung  on  high, 
Shall  sound,  through  ev'ry  age,  on  earth. 
And  through  eternity. 

HYMN  CV. 

1  Father  of  angels  and  of  men, 

Saviour,  who  hast  us  bought, 
Spirit,  by  whom  we're  born  again. 
And  sanctify 'd,  and  taught ! 

2  Thy  glory,  holy  Three  in  One, 

Thy  people's  song  shall  be, 
Long  as  the  wheels  of  time  shall  run, 
Ajid  to  eternity. 

*  Rev.  xxii.  20. 
2  I 


374  Short  Hymns.  Book  III. 


HYMN   CVI. 

1  Glory  to  God,  the  Father's  name, 

To  Jesus,  who  for  sinners  dy'd  ; 
The  Holy  Spirit  claims  the  same, 
By  whom  our  souls  are  sanctify 'd. 

2  Thy  praise  was  sung  when  time  began 

By  angels,  through  the  starry  spheres  ; 
And  shall,  as  now,  be  sung  by  man 
Through  vast  eternity's  long  years. 

HYMN  CVII. 

Ye  saints  on  earth,  ascribe,  with  heavVs  high 
host, 

Glory  and  honour  to  the  One  in  Three, 
ToGod  th'FATHER,SoN,  and Hol y Ghost, 

As  was,  and  is,  and  evermore  shall  be. 


37b 

POEMS. 


THE  KITE  ; 

OR, 

PRIDE  MUST  HAVE  A  FALL, 

My  waking1  dreams  are  best  conceal'd, 
Much  folly,  little  good  they  yield ; 
But  now  and  then  I  gain,  when  sleeping, 
A  friendly  hint  that's  worth  the  keeping  : 
Lately  I  dreamt  of  one  who  cry'd, 
"  Beware  of  self,  beware  of  pride  ; 
"  When  you  are  prone  to  build  a  Babel, 
«  Recall  to  mind  this  little  fable." 


o 


'NCE  on  a  time  a  paper  kite 
Was  mounted  to  a  wondrous  height, 
Where,  giddy  with  its  elevation, 
It  thus  express'd  self-admiration : 
"  See  how  yon  crowds  of  gazing  people 
"  Admire  my  flight  above  the  steeple  ; 
"  How  would  they  wonder  if  they  knew 
"  All  that  a  kite  like  me  can  do ! 
"  Were  I  but  free,  I'd  take  a  flight, 
"  And  pierce  the  clouds  beyond  their  sight, 
"  But,  ah  !  like  a  poor  pris'ner  bound, 
a  My  string  confines  me  near  the  ground  : 
"  I'd  brave  the  eagle's  tow'ring  wing, 
"  Might  I  but  fly  without  a  string." 

It  tugg'd  and  pull'd,  while  thus  it  spoke, 
To  break  the  string — at  last  it  broke. 
Depriv'd  at  once  of  all  its  stay, 
In  vain  it  try'd  to  soar  away  ; 


3T6  Poems. 

Unable  its  own  weight  to  bear, 
It  fluttered  downward  through  the  air ; 
Unable  its  own  course  to  guide, 
The  winds  soon  plung'd  it  in  the  tide. 
Ah  !  foolish  kite,  thou  hadst  no  wing, 
How  could'st  thou  fly  without  a  string ! 

My  heart  reply 'd,  "  O  Lord,  I  see 
"  How  much  this  kite  resembles  me ! 
"  Forgetful  that  by  thee  I  stand, 
"  Impatient  of  thy  ruling  hand ; 
"  How  oft  I've  wish'd  to  break  the  lines 
u  Thy  wisdom  for  my  lot  assigns  ? 
"  How  oft  indulged  a  vain  desire 
ci  For  something  more,  or  something  high'r? 
'*  And,  but  for  grace  and  love  divine, 
"  A  fall  thus  dreadful  had  been  mine." 

A  Thought  on  the  Sea  Shore. 

1  In  ev'ry  object  here  I  see 
Something,  O  Lord,  that  leads  to  thee. 
Firm  as  the  rocks  thy  promise  stands, 
Thy  mercies  countless  as  the  sands, 
Thy  love  a  sea  immensely  wide, 
Thy  grace  an  ever-flowing  tide. 

2  In  ev'ry  object  here  I  see 
Something,  my  heart,  that  points  at  thee. 
Hard  as  the  rocks  that  bound  the  strand, 
Unfruitful  as  the  barren  sand, 

Deep  and  deceitful  as  the  ocean, 
And,  like  the  tides,  in  constant  motion. 

The  Spider  and  Toad. 

Some  author,  (no  great  matter  who, 
Provided  what  he  says  be  true,) 


Poems.  377 

Relates  he  saw,  with  hostile  rage, 

A  spider  and  a  toad  engage  ; 

For  though  with  poison  both  are  stor'd. 

Each  by  the  other  is  abhorr'd, 

It  seems  as  if  their  common  venom 

Provok'd  an  enmity  between  'em. 

Implacable,  malicious,  cruel, 

Like  modern  hero  in  a  duel, 

The  spider  darted  on  his  foe, 

Infixing  death  at  ev'ry  blow. 

The  toad,  by  ready  instinct  taught, 

An  antidote,  when  wounded,  sought 

From  the  herb  Plantane,  growing  near, 

Well  known  to  toads  its  virtues  rare, 

The  spider's  poison  to  repel ; 

It  cropp'd  the  leaf,  and  soon  was  well. 

This  remedy  it  often  try'd, 

And  all  the  spider's  rage  defy'd. 

The  person  who  the  contest  view'd, 

While  yet  the  battle  doubtful  stood, 

Remov'd  the  healing  plant  away — 

And  thus  the  spider  gain'd  the  day  : 

For  when  the  toad  return'd  once  more 

Wounded,  as  it  had  done  before, 

To  seek  relief,  and  found  it  not, 

It  swelPd  and  dy'd  upon  the  spot. 

In  ev'ry  circumstance  but  one, 
(Could  that  hold  too,  I  were  undone,) 
No  glass  can  represent  my  face 
More  justly  than  this  tale  my  case. 
The  toad's  an  emblem  of  my  heart, 
And  Satan  acts  the  spider's  part. 
Envenom'd  by  his  poison,  I 
Am  often  at  the  point  to  die  ; 

2  12 


378  Foems. 

But  he  who  hung  upon  the  tree, 

From  guilt  and  wo  to  set  me  free, 

Is  like  the  Plantane  leaf  to  me. 

To  him  my  wounded  soul  repairs, 

He  knows  my  pain,  and  hears  my  pray'rs  ; 

From  him  I  virtue  draw  by  faith, 

Which  saves  me  from  the  jaws  of  death : 

From  him  fresh  life  and  strength  I  gain, 

And  Satan  spends  his  rage  in  vain. 

No  secret  arts  or  open  force, 

Can  rob  me  of  this  sure  resource, 

Though  banish'd  to  some  distant  land. 

My  med'cine  would  be  still  at  hand  ; 

Though  foolish  men  its  worth  deny, 

Experience  gives  them  all  the  lie  ; 

Though  Deists  and  Socinians  join, 

Jesus  still  lives,  and  still  is  mine. 

'Tis  here  the  happy  difference  lies, 

My  Saviour  reigns  above  the  skies, 

Yet  to  my  soul  is  always  near, 

For  he  is  God,  and  ev'ry  where. 

His  blood  a  sovereign  blam  is  found 

For  ev'ry  grief,  and  ev'ry  wound ; 

And  sooner  all  the  hills  shall  flee 

And  hide  themselves  beneath  the  sea ; 

Or  ocean,  starting  from  its  bed, 

Rush  o'er  the  cloud-topt  mountain's  head ; 

The  sun,  exhausted  of  its  light, 

Become  the  source  of  endless  night ; 

And  ruin  spread  from  pole  to  pole  ; 

Than  Jesus  fail  the  tempted  soul. 


EBENEZER. 

m.  i. 

A  Memorial  of  the  unchangeable  goodness  of  God  wide-, 
changing  dispensations. 

WRITTEN  ON  FEB    12,  1775. 

The  Twenty-fifth  Anniversary  of  our  Marriage. 

THE  LORD  GAVE. 


,F 


OR  what  this  day  recalls  to  mind 
My  praise  to  God  is  due ; 
How  many  blessings  he  design'd 
To  give,  in  giving  you. 

2  When  hateful,  hating  and  forlorn, 

In  Afric's  wilds  I  stray'd  ; 
His  hand  secur'd  my  safe  return, 
But  Youy  the  Mean,  was  made, 

3  How  little,  then,  could  be  foreseen 

My  path  in  future  life  ! 
But  he  prepar'd  each  following  scene, 
By  making  you  my  wife. 

4  The  happy  day  that  join'd  our  hands, 

(Sweet  prelude  to  his  Grace,) 
More  firm  in  my  remembrance  stands 
Than  if  engrav'd  in  brass. 

5  But  ah !  my  heart,  by  sin  betray  *d, 

(How  painful  is  the  thought,) 
Soon  of  the  gift,  an  idol  made, 
The  giver  soon  forgot  J 


330  Ebenezer. 

6  How  justly  might  some  sudden  turn 

Have  parted  us  again  ; 
And  left  my  guilty  soul  to  mourn 
In  agony  and  pain  ! 

7  But  though  we  both,  and  chiefly  I, 

For  good  have  render 'd  ill, 
His  mercy  hath  been  always  nigh, 
His  hand  preserves  us  still. 

8  With  mutual  love,  and  peace,  and  health, 

And  friends,  we  have  been  blest ; 
And,  if  not  what  the  world  calls  wealth, 
We  have  enough  possest. 

9  From  place  to  place,  from  year  to  year, 

The  Lord  has  been  our  guide ; 
Our  sure  resource  in  time  of  fear, 
When  all  has  fail'd  beside. 

10  Thus  five  and  twenty  years,  the  sun 

Has  trod  his  annual  path ; 
And  we  apace  are  posting  on 
To  meet  the  stroke  of  death  ! 

11  Sure  none  a  happier  life  have  known, 

Than  our's,  thus  far,  has  been  ; 
But  could  we  covet,  now  'tis  gone, 
To  live  it  o'er  again  ? 

12  Like  checker 'd  cloth,  the  warp  with  love 

And  comfort  has  been  spread, 
But  cares  and  crosses  interwove 
Have  furnish' d  half  the  thread. 

13  Yes !  even  we,  who  so  much  joy, 

So  much  endearment  know, 
Have  found  that  something  will  annoy, 
And  tarnish  all  below ! 


Ebcnezer.  381 

14  Yet  every  cross  a  mercy  is, 

A  blessing  every  thorn, 
That  tells  us,  here  is  not  our  bliss, 
We  were  for  nobler  born. 

15  That  I  am  her's,  and  she  is  mine, 

Invites  my  feeble  lays ; 
But,  Saviour,  that  we  both  are  thine, 
Demands  my  highest  praise. 

16  With  thee,  dear  Lord,  whorulest  all, 

The  wise  appointment  lies, 
To  which  of  us  the  lot  must  fall, 
To  close  the  others'  eyes  ! 

17  Then  all  our  intercourse  while  here, 

(How  happy,  and  how  kind !) 
Will  like  a  fleeting  dream  appear, 
Which  leaves  no  trace  behind, 

18  Prepare  us  every  day  we  live, 

For  that  important  hour ; 
And  when,  at  length,  it  shall  arrive 
Support  us  by  thy  power. 

19  Who  first  departs,  may  thy  kind  smile 

Strengthen  with  joy  to  go  ; 
And  the  survivor  reconcile 
To  stay  awhile  below. 

20  Then  may  it  seem  of  little  weight, 

Which  of  us  goes  before ; 
Assur'd  that  we  shall  shortly  meet 
To  part  again  no  more. 

21  Oh,  with  what  wonder,  joy,  and  praise, 

Our  souls  shall  then  review 
The  snares,  and  mercies  of  the  ways, 
We  were  conducted  through  ! 


JVo.  II. 


WRITTEN  DECEMBER  15,  1791- 

The  first  Anniversary  of  her  Dismission  from  this  state  of 
Sin  and  Sorrow. 

—  The  Lord  hath  taken  away.   Blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord. 

Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  the 
Father  of  Mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  Comfort !  Who  comfort- 
eth  us  in  all  our  tribulations,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort 
them  which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comforts  wherewith  we 
ourselves  are  comforted  of  God. 

1  JLiORD  !  She  was  thine,  and  not  my  own, 

Thou  hast  not  done  me  wrong ; 
I  thank  thee  for  the  precious  loan 
Afforded  me  so  long. 

2  For  though  no  single  day  has  been, 

Or  talent,  well  improve ; 
I  chiefly  see,  and  mourn  my  sin, 
In  what  I  chiefly  lov'd. 

3  I  trembled,  when  thou  saidst  "  resign 

A  much  abused  trust ;'' 
But  could  not  wonder  or  repine ; 
I  own'd  the  sentence  just. 

4  Yet  mercy  sweeten'd  my  distress ; 

And  while  I  felt  the  rod, 
Gave  me  abundant  cause  to  bless 
An  all-suflicient  God ! 

5  Sharp  was  my  pain  and  deep  my  wound, 

(A  wound  which  still  must  bleed,) 
But  daily  help,  and  strength  I  found 
Proportioned  to  my  need. 


Ebenexer.  383 

6  Like  Jonah,  (well  our  stories  suit,) 

I  view'd  my  gourd,  well  pleas'd  ; 
Like  him,  I  could  not  see  the  root 
On  which  the  worm  had  seiz'd. 

7  But  saw  at  length  the  hour  draw  nigh, 

(That  hour  I  since  have  known,) 
When  all  my  earthly  joy  must  die, 
And  I  be  left  alone. 

8  She  dropt  a  tear,  and  grasp 'd  my  hand, 

And  fain  she  would  have  spoke ; 
But  well  my  heart  could  understand 
The  language  of  her  look. 

9  Farewell,  it  meant,  a  last  adieu  ! 

I  soon  shall  cease  from  pain ; 
This  silent  tear  I  drop  for  you  ; 
We  part— to  meet  again. 

10  I  said,  "  If  leaving  all  below, 

You  now  have  peace  divine  ; 
And  would,  but  cannot,  tell  me  so, 
Give  me,  at  least  a  sign." 

11  She  rais'd,  and  gently  wav'd  her  hand, 

And  fill'd  me  with  a  joy, 
To  which  the  wealth  of  sea  and  land 
Compar'd,  were  but  a  toy. 

12  I  trust,  indeed,  she  knew  thy  grace 

Before  this  trying  day  ; 

But  Satan  had,  awhile,  access 

To  fill  her  with  dismay. 

13  Till  then,  tho'  two  long  years  she  pin'd, 

Without  an  hour  of  ease ; 
Cheerful  she  still  appeared,  resigned, 
And  bore  her  cross  in  peace. 


384  Ebenezer. 

14  Daily,  while  able,  closely  too, 

She  read  the  word  of  God ; 
And  thence  her  hope  and  comfort  drew, 
Her  med'cine,  and  her  food. 

15  A  stranger  might  have  well  presumed, 

From  what  he  saw  her  bear, 
This  burning  bush  was  not  consumed, 
Because  the  Lord  was  there. 

16  Three  days,  she  could  no  notice  take, 

Nor  speak,  nor  hear,  nor  see  ; 
O  Lord  !  Did  not  my  heart-strings  ache  ? 
Did  I  not  cry  to  Thee  ; 

17  That,  while  I  watch'd  her,  night  and  day, 

My  will  to  thine  might  bow  ? 
And,  by  this  rod  didst  thou  not  say, 
"  Behold  your  Idol  now ! 

18  "  From  her  you  lov'd  too  much,  proceed 

"  Your  sharpest  grief  and  pains  ; 
"  For  soon  or  late  the  heart  must  bleed 
"  That  idols  entertains.' ' 

19  Yes,  Lord,  we  both  have  guilty  been. 

And  justly  are  distress'd  ; 
But  since  thou  dost  forgive  our  sin,  • 
I  welcome  all  the  rest. 

20  Only  uphold  us  in  the  fire, 

Our  fainting  spirits  cheer  ; 
And  I  thy  mercy  will  admire, 
When  most  thou  seem'st  severe. 


Ebenezcr.  385 

21  Fainter,  her  breath,  and  fainter  grew, 

Until  she  breath'd  her  last ; 
The  soul  was  gone  before  we  knew, 
The  stroke  of  death  was  past. 

22  Soft  was  the  moment,  and  serene, 

That  all  her  sufferings  clos'd ; 
No  agony,  or  struggle  seem, 
No  feature  discompos'd. 

23  The  parting  struggle  all  was  mine ; 

"  'Tis  the  survivor  dies  :" 
For  she  was  freed,  and  gone  to  join 
The  triumph  of  the  skies. 

24  To  me  it  was  a  stormy  day, 

Tho'  glad  for  her  release ; 
But  He,  whom  seas  and  storms  obey, 
Soon  bid  the  tempest  cease. 

25  My  selfish  heart  had  wished  her  here, 

To  spend  her  days  in  pain ; 
That  she,  what  I  could  say,  might  hear, 
And  speak  to  me  again. 

26  Our  kindness  to  our  suffering  friends 

Would  keep  them  still  below ; 
But  He,  who  loves  them  better,  sends, 
And,  at  his  call  they  go. 

27  Each  moment,  since  that  trying  hour, 

My  loss  I  keenly  feel ; 
But  trust,  I  feel  my  Saviour's  pow'r 
To  sanctify  and  heal. 

28  Ah,  world !  vain  world !  by  whom  my  Lord 

Was  crucify  M  and  slain  ; 
What  comfort  now  canst  thou  afford 
To  mitigate  my  pain  ? 
2  K 


386  Ebenezer. 

29  Long  since  I  should  by  his  dear  cross 

Have  learn'd  to  die  to  thee  ; 
But  if  I  learn  it  by  my  loss, 
That  loss  my  gain  will  be. 

30  Now  Lord  to  thee  I  would  apply, 

On  thee  alone  depend ; 
Thou  art,  when  creatures  fail  and  die, 
An  ever-living  Friend ! 

31  Now  thou  hast  made  a  void  within, 

Which  only  thou  canst  fill ; 
Oh  !  grant  me  pardon  of  my  sin, 
And  grace  to  do  thy  will. 

32  That  I  with  joy  thy  flock  may  feed, 

A  pattern  to  them  be, 
And  comfort  them  in  time  of  need ; 
Vouchsafe  to  comfort  me. 

33  Let  them  believe,  and  love,  and  praise, 

And  wonder,  and  adore, 
And  view  thee  guiding  all  my  ways  : 
I  ask  for  nothing  more. 

34  To  thee  I  would  commit  the  rest ; 

The  when,  the  how,  the  where ; 
Thy  wisdom  will  determine  best, 
Without  my  anxious  care. 

35  May  I  with  faith  and  patience  wait, 

For  soon  thy  call  will  come ; 
When  I  shall  change  this  mortal  state 
For  an  eternal  home. 

36  The  vails  of  sin  and  unbelief 

Shall  then  be  rent  in  twain  ; 
And  they  who  parted  here  with  grief, 
Shall  meet  with  joy  again. 


Ebenczer.  387 

37  Then  will  the  Lord  himself  appear, 

With  all  his  blood-bought  sheep, 
To  wipe  from  ev'ry  face  the  tear, 
And  they  no  more  shall  weep.     . 

38  May  thoughts  like  these  relieve  my  toil, 

And  cheer  my  spirit  up  ! 
Who  would  not  suffer  here  a  while, 
For  such  a  glorious  hope  ? 


A  TABLE 


TO    THE 


FIRST  BOOK  OF  THE  OLNEY  HYMNS. 

According  to  the  Order  and  Subject  of  the  Hjmns. 


GENESIS. 
Hymn 

1  Adam,    .     .     . 

2  Cain  and  Abel, 


Chap. 
.  3 
.      4 


^  £  Walking  with  God,  5 

5  Lot  in  Sodom, .     .13 

6  )  The  Lord  will 

7  5        provide,  .     .22 

8  Esau,       ....   25 

9  Jacob's  ladder,      .   28 

10  My  name  is  Jacob,  32 

11  Plenty  in  dearth,  .  41 

12  Joseph  made  known 

to  his  brethren,  .  45 

EXODUS. 

1 3  The  bitter  waters,   1 5 

14  Jehovah-Rophi,     .    15 

15  Manna,    .     .     .     .16 

16  Manna  hoarded,    .   16 

17  Jehovah-Nissi,      .    17 

18  The  golden  calf,  .  32 

LEVITICUS. 

1 9  The  true  Aaron,  .     8 

NUMBERS. 

20  Balaam's  wish,     .  23 


Hymn  Chap . 

23  Gideon's  fleece,  .     6 

24  Samson's  lion,      .   14 

1  SAMUEL. 

25  Hannah ;    or,   the 

throne  of  grace, .     1 

26  Dagon  before  the 

ark, 5 

27  Milch  kine  draw- 

ing the  ark,    .     .     6 

28  Saul's  armour,      .   17 

2  SAMUEL. 

29  David's  fall,      .     .12 

30  Is  this  thy  kindness 

to  thy  friend  ?      .16 


1     KINGS. 


/   Ask  what  I 
l   give  thee, 


shall 


JOSHUA. 


.     10 


JUDGES. 

22  Jehovah-Shallom,      6 


31 
32 

33_ 

34  Queen  of  Sheba,   .   10 

35  Elijah    fed  by  ra- 

vens,     .     .     .     .17 

36  The  meal  and  cruse 

of  oil,    ....   17 

2    KINGS. 

37  Jericho,  or  the  wa- 

ters healed,    .     .  2 

38  Naaman,       ...  5 

39  The  borrowed  axe,  6 

40  More  with  us  than 

with  them,      •     .     6 


A  Table  to  the  First  Book. 


389 


1      CHRONICLES. 

Hymn  Chap. 

41  Faith's  review  and 

expectation,   .     .17 

NEHEMIAH. 

42  The  joy  of  the  Lord 

is  our  strength,  .     9 

JOB. 

43  O   that  I  were  as 

in  months  past !  .  29 

44  The  change,     .     .29 

PSALMS. 

45  Pleading  for  mercy,  6 

46  None  upon    earth 

besides  thee,  .     .  73 

47  7    The    believer's 

48  5      safety,     .     .     .91 

49  He  led  them  by  a 

right  way,     .     .107 

50  What  shall  I  ren- 

der ?  .       .     .     .116 

5 1  Dwelling  in  Me- 

sech,    .     .     .     .120 

PROVERBS. 

52  Wisdom,      ...     8 

53  A  friend  that  stick- 

eth  closer  than  a 
brother,      .     .     .18 

ECCLESIASTES. 

54  Vanity  of  life,  .     .     1 

55  Vanity  of  the  world,  1 

56  Vanity  of  creatures 

sanctified,       .     .     1 

Solomon's  song. 

57  The  name  of  Jesus,  l 


ISAIAH. 

Hymn  Chafi. 

58  O  Lord,  I  will  praise 

thee,      .     .     .     .12 

59  The  river,  refuge, 

and  rock  of  the 
church,      .     .     .32 

60  Zion,  or  the  city  of 

God,      ....  33 

6 1  Look  unto  me,  and 

be  ye  saved,    .     .  45 

62  The  good  Physician  45 

63  To  the  afflicted,    .  54 

64  The  contrite  heart,  57 

65  The  future  peace 

and   glory  of  the 
church,      ...  65 

JEREMIAH. 

66  Trust  of  the  right- 

eous and  wicked,   17 

67  Jehovah  our  right- 

eousness, ...  23 

68  Ephraim  repenting,3 1 

LAMENTATIONS. 

69  The    Lord   is  my 

portion,      ...     3 

EZEKIEL. 

70  Humbled  and  silen- 

ced by  mercy,     .   1 6 

71  The  covenant,       .  36 

72  Jehovah-Shammah,48 

DANIEL. 

73  The  power  and  tri- 

umph of  faith,  .  3,  6 

74  Belshazzar,       .     .     5 

JONAH. 

75  The  gourd,     .    .     4 
2 


m 


A  Table  to  the  First  Book, 


ZECHARIAH. 

Hymn  Chap. 

76  Prayer  for  theLord's 

presence,  ...     2 

77  A  brand  plucked- 

out  of  the  fire,    .     3 

78  On  one  stone  shall 

be  seven  eyes,     .     3 

79  Praise  for  the  foun- 


tain opened, 


In 
O 


MALACHI. 

80  They  shall  be  mine, 

saith  the  Lord,    .     3 

MATTHEW. 

81  The  beggar,     .     .     7 

82  The  leper,  ...     8 
S3  A  sick  soul,     .     .     9 

84  Satan  returning,    .   12 

85  The  sower,       .     .13 

86  Wheat  and  tares,     13 

87  Peter  walking  on 

the  waters,      .     .14 

88  Woman  of  Canaan,  15 

89  What  think  ye  of 

Christ?       ...  22 

90  The  foolish  virgins,25 

9 1  Peter  singing  and 

repenting,       .     .26 

MARK. 

92  Legion  dispossessed,5 

93  The  ruler's  daugh- 

ter raised,       .     .     5 

94  But  one  loaf,     .     .     8 

95  Bartimeus,  .     .     .10 

96  The  house  of  prayer  11 

97  The  blasted  fig-tree  1 1 

LUKE. 

98  The  two  debtors, "  7 


Hymn  C/ia/i, 

99  The  good  Samar- 
itan,      ....   10 

100  Martha  and  Mary,  10 

101  The  heart  taken,   11 

102  The  worldling,   .   12 

103  The   barren   fig- 
tree,      .     .     .     .13 

104  The  prodigal,     .   15 

105  The  rich  man  and 
Lazarus,     .     .     .16 

106  The  importunate 
widow,       .     .     .18 

107  Zaccheus,       .     .19 

108  Believer's  danger 
and  safety,      .     .22 

109  Father,    forgive 
them,     .     .     .     .23 

1 10  The  two  malefac- 
tors,      .     .     .     .23 


111 

112 
113 
114 
115 


117 
118 
119 


JOHN. 

The  woman  of  Sa- 
maria,   ....     4 

£  PoolofBethesda,  5 

The  disciples  at  sea,6 
Will    ye    also  go 
away  ?    ....     6 
The  resurrection 
and  the  life,    .     .11 
Weeping  Mary,    20 

>  Lovest  thou  me  ?  2 1 


ACTS. 

120  Death  of  Stephen,  7 

121  The  rebel's  sur- 
render to  grace,  .     9 

122  Peter  released  from 
prison,       .     •     r  12 


A  Table  to  the  First  Book 


391 


Hymn                          Chap. 

Hymn                           Chap, 

123  The    trembling 

fare,       .     .     . 

.     5 

gaoler,  .... 

16 

124  The  exorcists,    . 

19 

PHILIPP1ANS. 

125  Paul's  voyage,     . 

27 

131 

Contentment, 

.     4 

ROMANS. 

HEBREWS. 

126  The  good  that  I 

132 

Old    Testament 

would,  I  do  not, . 

7 

Gospel,      .     . 

4 

127  Salvation  drawing 

1  r>  r> 

loo 

The  word  quick 

nearer,      .... 

13 

and  powerful, 

4 

134 

Looking  unto  Je- 

1   CORINTHIANS. 

sus,  .... 

12 

128  That    rock     was 

135 

Love-tokens, 

12 

Ghrist,  .... 

10 

REVELATION. 

2  CORINTHIANS. 

136 

Ephesus,   .     . 

2 

129  My  grace  is  suffi- 

137 

Smyrna,     .     . 

2 

cient  for  thee,     . 

12 

138 

Sardis,        .     . 

3 

139 

Philadelphia, 

3 

GALATIANS. 

140 

Laodicea,  . 

3 

130  The  inward  war- 

141 

The  little  book, 

10 

[     392    ] 


A  TABLE  TO  THE  SECOND  BOOK. 


I.    SEASONS. 

New-  Year's  Hymns. 

Hymn 
Time  how  swift !  .  .  1 
Time  how  short !  .  2 
Uncertainty  of  life,  .  3 
A  New-year's  thought 

and  prayer,     .     .     4 
Death  and  war,      .     .     5 
Earthly  prospects  de- 
ceitful,       ...     6 

Before  Annual  Sermons. 
Prayer  for  a  blessing,  7 
Another,  ....  8 
Another,  ....  9 
Casting  the  Gospel-net,  10 
Pleading  for  and  with 

youth,  .  .  .  .11 
Prayer  for  children,  .  12 
The  Shunamite,  .  .13 
Elijah's  prayer,  .  .14 
Preaching  to  the  dry 

bones,  .  .  .  .15 
The  rod  of  Moses,  .  16 
God    speaking    from 

Mount  Zion,  .  17 
Prayer   for  power  on 

the  means,  .  .18 
Elijah's  mantle,     .     .19 

After  annual  Sermons. 
David's  charge  to  So- 
lomon, ....  20 
The  Lord's  call  to  his 
children,  .     .     .     .21 


Hymn 
The  prayer  of  Jabez,  22 
Waiting  at  Wisdom's 

gates,  .  .  .  .23 
Asking  the  way  to  Zion,24 
We   were    Pharaoh's 

bondmen,  ...  25 
Travailing  in  birth  for 

souls,  ....  26 
We  are  ambassadors 

for  Christ,      .     .27 
Paul's  farewell  charge, 28 
How  shall    I  put  thee 
among  the  children?  29 

Winter, 30 

Waiting  for  spring,   .  3 1 

Spring, 32* 

Another,  ....  33 
Summer-storms,  .  .  34 
Hay-time,  .  .  .  .35 
Harvest,        .     .     .     .36 

Christmas. 
Praise  for  the  incarna- 
tion,      ....  37 
Jehovah  Jesus,       .     .  38 
Man  honoured  above 

angels,  ....  39 
Saturday  evening,  '    .  40 
Close  of  the  year,Eben- 
ezer,      .     .     .     .41 


Another, 


42 


II.  ORDINANCES. 

Opening  a   place  for 
social  prayer,      .  43 


A  Table  to  the  Second  Book. 


393 


Hymn 
Another,       ....  44 
The  Lord's  day,     .     .  45 
Gospel  privileges,      .  46 
Another,       ....  47 
Praise  for  their  contin- 
uance,  ....  48 
A  famine  of  the  word,  49 
Prayer  for  ministers,    50 
Prayer  for  a  revival,      5 1 
Hoping  for  a  revival,    52 
Sacramental  Hymns.    . 
Welcome  to  the  table,  53 
Christ  crucified,    .     .54 
Jesus  hasting  to  suffer,  55 
It  is  good  to  be  here,    56 
Looking  at  the  cross,    57 
Supplies  in  the  wilder- 
ness,     ....  58 
Communion  with  saints 
in  glory,     .     .     .59 
Prayer. 
Exhortation  to  prayer,  60 
Pov/er  of  prayer,    .     .61 

Scripture. 
Light  and  glory  of  the 

word,     .     .     .     .62 
Word  more  precious 
than  gold,       .     .63 

III.      PROVIDENCES. 

On  the  commencement 
of  hostilities,  .  .  64 
Fast-day  Hymns. 
Confession  and  prayer,  65 
Moses  and  Amalek,  .  66 
The  hiding  place,  .  67 
On    the    earthquake, 

1775,     ....  68 
Fire  at  Olney,  1777,     69 
Welcome  to  Christian 
friends,      ...     .70 


Hymn 
At  parting,  .     .     .     .71 

Funeral  Hymns. 
On  the  death  of  a  be- 
liever, ....  72 
Death  of  a  minister,  .  73 
The  tolling  bell,  .  .  74 
Hope  beyond  the  grave, 75 
There  the  weary  are  at 

rest,  .  .  .  .76 
The  day  of  judgment,  77 
The  day  of  the  Lord,  78 
The  great  tribunal,    .  79 

IV.    CREATION. 

The  old  and  new  crea- 
tion, ....  80 
Book  of  creation,  .  .81 
The  rainbow,  .  .  .  82 
Thunder,  ....  83 
Lightning  in  the  night,84 
Eclipse  of  the  moon, 

1776,  ....  85 
Moon-light  .  .  .  .86 
The  sea,  ....  87 
The  flood,  ....  88 
The  thaw,  ....  89 
The  loadstone,  .  .  90 
Spider  and  Bee,  .  .91 
Bee    saved   from  the 

spider,  .  .  .  .92 
The  tamed  lion,    .     .93 

Sheep, 94 

The  garden,       .     .     .95 
For  a  garden-seat  or 

summer-house,  .  96 
Creatures  in  the  Lord's 

hands,  .  .  .  .97 
On  dreaming,  .  .  .98 
The  world,  ....  99 
The  enchantment  dis- 


solved, 


.    100 


[    294      ] 


A  TABLE  TO  THE  THIRD  BOOK, 


1.    SOLEMN   ADDRESSES 
TO    SINNERS. 

Hymn 

Expostulation,  ...  1 

Alarm, 2 

We  were  once  as  you 

are, 3 

Prepare  to  meet  God,  4 

Invitation,     ....  5 

II.  SEEKING,   PLEADING, 
AND     HOPING. 

The  burdened  sinner,  6 

Behold,  I  am  vile  !     .  7 

The  shining  light,     .  8 

Encouragement,    .     .  9 

The  waiting  soul,       .  10 

The  effort,  .     .     .   11,  12 

Seeking  the  Beloved,  13 

Rest  for  weary  souls,  14 

III.    CONFLICT. 

Light  shining   out   of 

darkness,  .  .  .15 
"Welcome  cross,  .  .16 
Afflictions     sanctified 

by  the  word,  .  .17 
Temptation,  .  .  .13 
Looking  upwards  in  a 

storm,  .  .  .  .19 
Valley  of  the  shadow 

of  death,  ...  20 
The  storm  hushed,  .  21 
Help  in  time  of  need,  22 
Peace  after  a  storm,  23 
Mourning  and  longing,24 


Hymn 
Rejoice  the  soul  of  thy 

servant,  .  .  .25 
Self-acquaintance,  .  26 
Bitter  and  sweet,  .  .  27 
Prayer  for  patience,  .  28 
Submission,  ...  29 
Why  should  I  com- 
plain ?  ....  30 
Return,  O  Lord,  how 

long!     .     .     .     .31 
Cast  down,  but  not  de- 
stroyed,     ...  32 
The  benighted  travel- 
ler,     33 

The  prisoner,  .  .  .34 
Perplexity  relieved,  .  35 
Prayer    answered    by 

crosses,  .  .  .36 
I  will  trust,  and    not 

be  afraid,  .  .  .37 
Questions  to  unbelief,  38 
Great  effects  by  small 

means,  ...  39 
Why    art    thou    cast 

down  ?  .  .  .  .40 
The  way  of  access,  .  41 
The  pilgrim's  song,  .  42 

IV.    COMFORT. 


Faith  a  new  sense, 
The  happy  change, 
Retirement,  .  . 
Jesus  my  all,  .  . 
I  The  hidden  life, 


43 
44 
45 
46 
47 


A  Table  to  the  Third  Book, 


395 


Hymn 
Joy  and  peace  in  be- 
lieving,     .      .     .48 
True  pleasure,      .     .  49 
The  Christian,       .     .  50 
Lively  hope  and  gra- 
cious fear,       .     .51 
Confidence,       ...  52 
Peace  restored,      .     .53 
Hear  what  he  has  done,  54 
Freedom  from  care,  .  55 
Humiliation  and  praise, 5 6 
For  the  poor,     .     .     .57 
Home  in  view,       .     .58 

V.  DEDICATION  AND  SUR- 
RENDER. 

Old  things  passed  away,59 
Power  of  grace,  .  .  60 
My  soul  thirsteth  for- 

God,      ....  61 
Love  constraining  to 

obedience,  .  .  62 
Heart  healed  and  chan- 
ged by  mercy,  .  63 
Hatred  of  sin,  ...  64 
The  child,  ....  65 
True  happiness,  .  .  66 
The  happy  debtor,  .  .  67 

VI.    CAUTIONS. 

The  new  convert,       .  68 


Hymn 
Trueandfalse  comforts69 
True  and  false  zeal,  .  70 
Living  and  dead  faith,  71 
Abuse  of  the  Gospel,  72 
The  narrow  way,  .  .73 
Dependence,  ...  74 
Not  of  works,  .  .  .75 
Sin's  deceit,  ...  76 
Are  there  few  saved  ?  77 
The  Sluggard,  .  .  78 
Not  in  word,  but  in 
power,  .     .     .     .79 

VII.  PRAISE. 

Praise  for  faith,  .  .  80 
Grace  and  providence,  8 1 
Praise  for  redeeming 

love,  ....  82 
I  will  praise  the  Lord 

at  all  times,  .  .83 
Perseverance,  ...  84 
Salvation,  .  .  .  .85 
Reigning  grace,  .  .86 
Praise  to  the  Redeemer87 
Man  by  nature,  grace, 

and  glory,       .     .88 

VIII.  SHORT  HYMNS 

Before  Sermon,  89 — 95 
After  Sermon,  96 — 103 
Gloria  Patri,      104—107 


Table  of  First  Lines  to  the  Olney  Hymns. 


.iVBeliever  free  from  care  148 
Afflictions  do  not  come  alonel62 
Afflictions,  though  they  seem 
severe  ------  127 

Agarden  contemplation  suits267 
A  glance  from  heav'n,  with 

sweet  effect      -     -     -     526 
A  shelter  from  the  rain  or 

wind 268 

Ah !  what  can  I  do  -  -  -  282 
Alas  !  Elisha's  servant  cry'd  58 
Alas  !    by   nature  how  de- 

pravM 198 

A  lion,though  by  nature  wild265 
AlmightyKing!  whose  woe- 

drous  hand     -     -    -     -  558 
Although  on  massy  pillars 

built 239 

Amazing  grace !  (how  sweet 

the  sound,)   -     -     -     -     59 
Approach,    my    soul,    the 

mercy  seat    -    -    -    -  289 
As  birds  their  infant  brood 

protect 91 

As  needles  point   towards 

the  pole 262 

As  once  for   Jonah,  so  the 

Lord 94 

As  parched  in  the  barren 

sands 86 

As  some  tall  rock  amidst  the 

waves    - 145 

As  the   serpent  rais'd   by 

Moses 80 

As  the  sun's  enliv'ning  eye  243 
As  when  the  weary  trav'ller 
gains      ------  337 

A  word  from  Jesus  calms 

the  sea,     -     -     -     -     .  107 

A  worldling  spent  each  day  128 
Before  Elijah's  gate  -    -    -     56 
Begone,  unbelief  -    -    -     -  314 

Behold  the  throne  of  grace  !    49 
Beneath  the  tyrant  Satan's 

yoke      -  " 194 

Beside  the  gospel  pool   -    -  136 
Bestow,  dear  Lord,  upon  our 

youth 177 

Be    still,    my  heart !  these 

anxious  cares    -     -    -    319 
Bitter,  indeed,  the  waters 

are 28 

Bleak  winter  is  subdu'd  at 

length 201 

Blinded  in  youth  by  Satan's 
arts 271 


Breathe  from  the  gentle  soul, 

O  Lord 288 

By  various  maxims,  forms, 

and  rules 160 

By  faith  in  Christ  I  walk  with 
God      ------     16 

By  the  poor  widow's  oil  and 

meal     ----.-    53 

By  whom  was  David  taught    31 
Cbeer  up,  my  soul,  there  is 

a  mercy  seat  -    -    -    -  288 

Chief  shepherd  of  thy  cho- 
sen sheep       -    -     -     -  221 

Come,    my    soul,    thy  suit 

prepare 47 

Confirm  the  hope  thy  word 

allows 367 

Constrain'd  by  their  Lord 

to  embark      -    -    -    -  138 
Could    the    features   help 

or  ease  us 114 

Courage,  my  soul  !  behold 

the  prize   -----  247 

Darkness    overspreads    us 

here       ------  153 

Day  of  judgment,  day   of 

wonders  ! 248 

Dear  Lord  !  accept  a  sinful 

heart 303 

Destruction'sdangerous  road354 
Does  it  not  grief  and   won- 
der move  -----  182 
Does  the  gospel-word  pro- 
claim     291 

Elijah's  example  declares  -    S2 
Elisha,  struck  withjgrief  and 

awe 188 

Encourag'd  by  thy  word     -  100 
Ensnar'd  too  long  my  heart 

has  been 192 

Ere  God  had  built  the  moun 

tains 70 

Far   from    the    world,    O 

Lord,  I  flee    -    -    -     -  324 

Father,  forgive,  (the  Saviour 
said,)    -------  133 

Father    of   angels   and   of 

men 373 

Fervent  persevering  pray'rs  147 
Fierce  passions  discompose 

the  mind 157 

Fix  my  heart  and  eyes  on 

thine  !------  344 

For-est  beasts,  that  live  by 

prey 310 

For  mercies  countless  as  the 
sands    ------    68 


Table  of  First  Lines  to  the  Olney  By  dim. 


W 


From  Egypt  lately  freed  -     -  321 
From  pole  to  pole  let  others 

roam  -------88 

From  Sheba  a  distant  report     50 
Gladness  was  spread  through 

Israel's  host  -----  220 

Glorious  things  of  thee  are  spo- 
ken       78 

Glory  to  God   the    Father's 

name 374 

God  gives  his  mercies  to  be 

spent 74 

God,  with  one  piercing  glance, 

looks  through    -    -     -     -  249 

God  moves  in   a  mysterious 

Way     -------  292 

God  of  my  life,  to  thee  I  call    296 
Grace,    triumphant     in    the 

throne      ------  352 

Gracious  Lord, our  children  seel  81 
Happy  are  they,  to  whom  the 

Lord    -    - 218 

Hark,  my  soul !  it  is  the  Lord  143 
Hark  !  how  time's  wide-sound- 
ing bell  _  -     173 

Happy  the  birth  where  grace 

presides    ------  339 

Heal  us,  Immanuel,here  we  are  29 
Hear  what  God  the  Lord  hath 

spoken      - 85 

Hear  what  the  Lord,  the  great 

Amen  -------  166 

He  who  on  earth  as  man  was 

known 77 

Here  at  Bethesda's  pool   the 

poor 137 

His  master  taken  from  his  head245 
Hoiv  Lord  God !  I  love  thy 

"truth 342 

Honour  and  happiness  unite  329 
Honey  though  the  bee  prepares  74 
How  blest  the  righteous  are  -  55 
How  blest  thy  creature  is,   O 

God -     -  323 

How  David,  when  by  sin   de- 
ceived   45 

How  hurtfal  was  the  choice  of 

Lot 17 

How  kind  the  good  Samaritan  121 
How  lost  Avas  my  condition    -     81 
How   soon  the  Saviour's  gra- 
cious call 356 

How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus 

sounds 7& 

How  tedious  and  tasteless  the 

hours 64 

How  welcome  to   the  saints 

when  press'd     -    -    -    -  216 


2  L 


Hungry,  and  faint,  and  poor  368 
I   am,"  (saith    Christ.)   your 

glorious  head      -    -     -     -  141 
I  ask'd  the  Lord  that  I  might 

grow 313 

If  for  a  time  the  air  be  calm  259 
If  Paul  in  Cxsar's  court  must 

stand 150 

If  Solomon  for  wisdom  pray'd  48 
If  the  Lord  our  leader  be  -    -    22 
If  to  Jesus  for  relief     -    -    -  516 
Incarnate  God  the  soul  that 

knows       ------     65 

In  ev'ry  object  here  I  see  -  3f6 
In  evil  long  I  took  delight  -  228 
In  mercy,  not  in  wrath,  rebuke  63 
In  themselves  as  weak  as 

worms 232 

In  vain    my  fancy  strives  to 

paint 244 

Israel  in  ancient  days  -  -  -  158 
I  thirst,  but  not  as  once  I  did  340 
I  was  a  grov'ling  creature  once  329 
I  will  praise  thee  ev'ry  day  -  77 
I  would,  but  cannot,  sing  -  -  152 
JesusChrist  the  Lord's  anointed  97 
Jesus,  to  what  didst  thou  submitl55 
Jesus  who  bought  us  with  his 

blood    - 191 

Jesus,  whose  blood  so  freely 

stream'd 57 

Jesus,    where'er  thy   people 

meet -  215 

Jesus  is  mine  !  I'm  now  pre- 
paid      370 

John  in  a  vision  saw  the  day  250 
Joy  is  a  fruit  that  will  not  grow  60 
Kindle,  Saviour,  in  my  heart  504 
Kindred   in    Christ,   for    his 

dear  sake 242 

Legion  was  my  namebynaturellj 
Let  hearts  and  tongues  unite  25  2 
Let  me  dwell  on  Golgotha  -  227 
Let  us  adore  the   grace  that 

seeks    . 190 

Let  us   love,    and   sing,  and 

wonder     -----  359 
Let  worldly  minds  the  world 

pursue  -----    -  358 

Lord,  my  soul  with  pleasure 

springs 32  S 

Lord,  thou  hast  won,at  length 

I  yield  -    -    -    -    -*  -  146 
Lord,  .■  ho  hast  suffer'd  all  for 

me    - 305 

Lord,  what  is  man  !  extremes 

how  wide 56G 

Manna  to  Israel  well  supply 'd    29 


m 


Table  of  First  Lines  of  the  Onlney  Hymns. 


Martha  her  love  and  joy  ex- 

press'd 122 

Mary  to  her  Saviour's  tomb     142 
May  the  grace  of  Christ  our 

Saviour 372 

Mercy,  O  thou  Son  of  David  !  117 
My  barns  are  full,  my  stores 

increase  -----  125 
My  former  hopes  are  fled  -  285 
My  God!    how   perfect  are 

thy  ways !  -  -  -  -  87 
My  God !  till  I  receiv'd  thy 

stroke 87 

My  harpuntun'd  and  laid  aside223 
My  sons;  shall  bless  the  Lord 

of  all 208 

My  soul   once   had  its  plen- 
teous years    -     -    -    -     25 
My  soul  j  this  curious  house  of 

clay 246 

My  soul  is  beset       -    -    -     -  286 
My  soul  is  sad  and  much  dis- 

may'd 297 

Nay,  I  cannot  let  thee  go       -    24 
Ko  strength  of  nature  can  suf- 
fice   340 

No  words  can  declare  -    -    -  264 
Not  to  Sinai's  dreadful  blaze    S69 
Now,  gracious   Lord,   thine- 

arm  reveal     -     -    -    -  176 

Now  let  us  join  with  hearts 

and  tongues      -    -    -    209 
Now  may  fervent  pray'r  arise  178 
Now  may  the  Lord  reveal  his 

face      ------  363 

Now,  Lord,  inspire  the  preach- 
er's heart      -    -    -    -  367 

Now  may  He  who  from  the 

dead      ------  371 

Of  all  the  gifts  thine  hand  be- 
stows   ------     38 

Often    thy    public  means   of 

grace  ---.--  369 
Oft  as  the  bell,  with  solemn  toll245 
Oft  as  the  leper's  case  I  read  102 
Oft  in  vain  the  voice  of  truth  175 
O  God,  whose  favourable  eye  547 
0  David's  Son,  and  David's 

Lord -  189 

O  Lord,  our  languid  souls  in- 
spire     -.  • 214 

O  Lord,  how  vile  am  I      -    -  284 
O  Lord,  my  best  desire  fulfil    S06 

0  thou    at  whose   almighty 

word 187 

1  •.;  ppy  they  "who  know  the 

i  ord 2-17 


O  speak  that  gracious  word- 
again    - 331 

Oh  !  for  a  closer  walk  with  God  15 
Oh,    may    the    pow'r   which 

melts  the  rock  -  -  -  236 
O  how  I  love  thy  holy  word  -  294 
Once  a  woman  silent  stood  -  120 
Once  on  a  time  a  paper  kite  -  375 
Once  perishing  in  blood  I  lay  89 
Once,  while  we  aim'd  at  Zi- 

on's  songs  -  .  -  -  219 
On  man,  in  his  own  image  madel3 
On  the  sameflow'r  we  often  see263 
One  awful  word  which  Jesus 

spoke 119 

One  glance  of  thine,  eternal 

Lord 320 

One  there  is,  above  all  others  71 
Oppi-ess'd   with  unbelief  and 

sins  -    - 155 

Our  Lord,  who  knows  full  well  129 
Pensive,doubting,  fearful  heart  82 
Physician  of  my  sin-sick  soul  103 
Pleasing  spring  again  is  here  202 
Poor  Esau  repented  too  late  21 
Poor  sinners !  little   do  they 

think 93 

Poor,   weak,  and  worthless, 

though  I  am  -  -  -  -  46 
Pray'r  an  answer  will  obtain  108 
Preachers    may,   from  Eze- 

kiel's  case  -  -  -  -  1 83 
Precious  Bible!  what  a  treasure234 
Prepare  a  thankful  song  -  -  364 
Quiet,  Lord,  my  froward  heart343 
Refreshed  by  the  bread  and 

wine 230 

Rejoice,  believer,  in  the  Lord  361 
Remember  us,  we  pray  thee, 

Lord 368 

Return  to  bless  mywaiting  eyes308 
Safely  through  another  week  210 
Salvation!  what  a  glorious  plan362 
Sav'd  by  blood,  I  live  to  tell  332 
Saviour,shine  and  cheer  my  soul62 
Saviour,  visit  thy  plantation  222 
See  Aaron,   God's   anointed 

priest 33 

See!  another  year  is  gone  -  171 
See  how  rude  winter's  icy  handl99 
See  !  the  corn  again  in  ear  -  206 
Sec  the  gloomy  gath'ringcloud238 
See,  the  world  for  youth  pre- 
pares      271 

Shall  men  pretend  to  pleasure  277 
Sight,  hearing,  feeling,  taste, 

and  smell      -    -    -    -  522 


Table  to  First  Lines  oj  tU  Olney  Hynms. 


Simon,  be wai'e !  the  Saviour 

said 132 

Sin,  when  view'd  by  Scrip- 
ture light 353 

Sinner,  art  thou  still  secure  279 
Sinners,  hear  the  Saviour's  call280 
Sin  enslav'd  me  many  years  341 
Sin  has  undone  our  wretched 

race 180 

Some  author,  (no  great  mat- 
ter who,)       ...    -  376 
Sometimes  a  light  surprises     327 
Son  of  God,  thy  people's  shield  95 
Sov'reign   grace    has    pow'r 

alone -  134 

Stop,  poor   sinner,  stop    and 

think 276 

Strange  and  mysterious  is  my 

life 156 

Supported  by  the  word  -  -  92 
Sweet  was  the  time  when  first 

I  felt -     61 

Sweeter   sounds   than  music 

knows 207 

Ten  thousand   talents  once  I 

ow'd      ------  345 

That  was  a  wonder-working 

word 252 

That  man  no  guard  or  wea- 
pon needs      -     -    -    -     66 
The  church  a  garden  is     -     -  126 
The  God  who  once  to  Israel- 
spoke      185 

The  grass,  and  flow'rs  which 

clothe  the  field  -     -     -  205 
The  Lord,  our  salvation  and 

light 211 

The  Spirit  breathes  upon  the 

word 233 

The  gath'ring  clouds,  with  as- 
pect dark 235 

The  book  of  nature  open  lies  253 
The  moon  in  silver  gloryshone  257 
The  moon  has  buta  borrow'd 

light 258 

The  ice  and  snow  we  latelysaw266 
The  subtle  spider  often  weaves  264 
The  Saviour  calls  his  people 

sheep    --.-._  262 
The  water  stood  like  walls  of 

brass     - 269 

The  billows  swell,  the  winds 

are  high 295 

The  Saviour  hides  his  face  !  -  301 
The   new-born  child  of  gos- 
pel grace      ....  346 
The  Lord  receives  his  highest 

praise .349 


399 


Page 


The    wishes  that    the    slug- 
gard frames  -    -    -    -  355 
The  saints  Immanuel's  por- 
tion are     -----  371 
The  peace  which  God  alone 

reveals  -----  372 
The  Father  we  adore  -  -  -  373 
The  castle  of  the  human  heart  123 
The  evils  that  beset  our  path  73 
The  kine  unguided  went  -  -  42 
The  Lord  will  happiness  divine  84 

The    Lord      proclaims     his 

grace  abroad      -    -    -     90 

The  lion  that  on  Samson  roar'd  39 

The  manna,  favour'd  Israel's 

meat     - 30 

The  message  first  to  Smyrna 

sent 164 

The  prophets'  sons,  in  times 

of  old 57 

The  Saviour!    what  a  noble 

flame 226 

The  saints  should  never  be 

dismay 'd 18 

The    Shunamite,    oppress'd- 

with  grief 181 

The  signs  which  God  to  Gi- 

beon  gave       ....     58 

The  word  of  Christ,  our  Lord  159 

There  is  a  fountain  fill'd  with 

blood 98 

This  is  the  feast  of  heav'nly 

wine     ------  224 

Though    Jericho    pleasantly 

stood 54 

Though  in  the  outward  church 

below 106 

Tho'  cloudy  skies,  and  nor- 
thern blasts   -     -    -     -  200 

Though  troubles  assail      -     -    19 

Though  the  morn  may  be  se- 
rene       203 

Though    small  the   drops  of 

failing  rain     -    -  -    -     260 

Though  sore  beset  with  guilt 

and  fear      -----  309 

Thus  saith  theLord  to  Ephesusl  63 

Thus  saith  the  Holy  One  and 

True 165 

Thy  mansion   is   the  Christ- 
ian's heart     -     -    -    -  118 

Thy  message,  by  the  preach 

er,  seal 196 

Thy  promise,  Lord,  and  thy 

command       -     -    -     -  367 

Time,  with  an  unweary'dhandl7Q 

Time,  by  moments, steals  away  172 

'Tis  a  point  I  long  to  know  -  143 


400  Table  of  First  Lines  to  the  Olney  Hym  is. 


'Tis  my  happiness  below  -     -293 
*Tis  past, — the  dreadful  stor- 
my night   -----  297 
To  keep  the  lamp  alive    -    -  551 
To  tell  the    Saviour  all    my 

wants 326 

To  thee  our  wants  are  known  372 
To  those  who  know  the  Lord, 

I  speak 290 

Too  many,  Lord,  abuse  thy 

grace '-  350 

Unbelief  the  soul  dismays  -  318 
Uncertain  how  the  way  to  find  312 
Unless  the  Lord  had  been  my 

stay '-  299 

Wearied  by   day    with    toils 

and  cares 241 

We  seek  a  rest  beyond  the  skies370 
What  a  mournful  life  is  mine  69 
What  contradictions  meet  -  195 
What  thousands  never  knew 

the'road!        ...    -  350 
What  think  you  of  Christ?  is 

the  test 109 

What  various  hindrances  we 

meet 231 

When  Adam  fell  he  quickly  lostl4 
When  first  to  make  my  heart 

his  own 41 

When  first  my  soul  enlisted       43 
When  Hannah  pressYi   ■with 

grief     ------    40 

When  Jesus  claims  the  sin- 
ner's heart     -    -    -    -  104 

When    Joseph    his  brethren 

beheld  ------    26 

When  Israel,  by  divine  com- 
mand  ;"  -     -     -     -     -  229 

When    Israel's    tribes    were 

parch'd  with  thirst      -  154 
When  Israel  heard  the  fiery  law32 
When  Israel  was  from  Egypt 

freed    ------  .67 

When  Joshua,  by  God's  com- 
mand     36 

When  Peter  boasted,  soon  he 

fell 112 

When  sinners  utter  boasting 

Is   -     -     -     -     -     -     99 

When  the  disciples  cross'tlthc 

lake 116  ! 

When   the  apostle   wonders 

wrought 149 


When  descending  from  the  skyllb 

When  any  turn  from  Zion's 

way 140 

When  the  belov'd  disciple  tookl67 

When  Peter  through  the  te- 
dious night     -     -     -     -  179 

When  Moses  wav'd  his  mystic 

rod 184 

When  Paul  was  parted  from 

his  friends      -     -     -     -  197 

When  on  the  cross  my  Lord 

I  see      ---"--.  225 

When  the  sun,    with  cheer- 
ful beams 254 

When  a  black  o'erspreading 

cloud 255 

When     slumber     seals    our 

weary  eves    -     -     -     -  270 

When  darkness  long  has  veil'd 

my  mind      -       -     -     -  300 

When  my  pray'rs  are  a  bur- 
den and  task      -    -    -  302 

When  my  Saviour,  my  Shep- 
herd, is  near       -     -    -  307 

When  the  poor  pris'ner  thro' 

a  grate 311 

When  the  wounded  spirit  hears334 

When  Hagar  found  the  bottle 

spent 336 

While   with  ceaseless  course 

the  sun 169 

Whtte  Joshua  led  the  armed 

bands 237 

While  I  liv'd  without  the  Lord  333 

Why  should  I  fear  the  dark- 
est hour 325 

With  Satan,  my  accuser  near    96 

Winter  has  a  joy  for  me    -     -  SCO 

With  Israel's   Cod   who    can 

compare 370 

Write  to  Sardis,  saith  the  Lord  165 

Ye  saints  en    earth,    ascribe 

with  heav'n's  high  host  374 

Ye  sons  of  earth  prepare  the 

plough       -    -    -'  -    -  105 

Yes!  since  God  himself  has 

said  it 330 

Zacchcns  climb'd  die  tree      -  130 

Zeal  is  that  pure  and  heav'niy 

flame 348 

Zion  !  the  city  of  onr  God    -  193 


k 


